Routine versus selective histological examination after cholecystectomy to exclude incidental gallbladder carcinoma

Introduction Gallstone disease is treated commonly with cholecystectomy. Malignant disease of the gallbladder may present similarly and has a poor prognosis. It is common for cholecystectomy specimens to be sent for histological examination to exclude malignancy. However, the incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is low and it has therefore been suggested that macroscopic inspection of the gallbladder by the surgeon, followed by selective histological examination of abnormal specimens, may be safe and cost saving. Methods All cholecystectomies performed between 1 May 2003 and 1 September 2009 were identified from clinical coding. Pathology records were used to identify gallbladder malignancies; these were searched manually to identify IGBC. Pathology reports and case notes were cross-referenced to determine whether there were macroscopic abnormalities present. Annual cost savings were estimated by comparing the number of gallbladder specimens over one year (May 2013 - April 2014) with the total number of cholecystectomies performed in that time. Results Of 4,776 cholecystectomies identified, 12 (0.25%) were cases of IGBC. These cases had a higher median age (68 vs 54 years, p<0.001) and a higher proportion were emergency operations (50% vs 12%, p<0.001). All cases had some form of macroscopic abnormality, most commonly wall thickening (n=6, 50%). Only two cases (17%) had a visible tumour present. Conclusions All cases of IGBC in this study had a macroscopically abnormal gallbladder. Our findings suggest it is safe to adopt a selective approach to histological examination. Savings of almost £20,500 per annum have been achieved.