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Malignancy in elective cholecystectomy due to gallbladder polyps or thickened gallbladder wall: a single-centre
Dennis Björk1, Wolf Bartholomä2, Kristina Hasselgren1
1Department of Surgery, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 16, 2021
Summary
Gallbladder cancer incidence is low for polyps or thickening without other signs. Cholecystectomy by experienced surgeons is safe for these cases, with referral for advanced malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Gallbladder cancer is a rare, aggressive malignancy.
- Surgical resection is standard for gallbladder polyps ≥10 mm or thickening if malignancy is suspected.
- The incidence of gallbladder malignancy in Sweden for these indications is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of gallbladder malignancy in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for polyps or wall thickening.
- To evaluate the safety of cholecystectomy for these indications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 102 patients undergoing cholecystectomy (2010-2018) at Linköping University Hospital.
- Inclusion criteria: gallbladder polyps or wall thickening without other preoperative malignant signs.
- Analysis of radiological exams, medical records, and histopathology reports.
Main Results:
- 65 patients had gallbladder polyps, 37 had gallbladder wall thickening.
- Malignancy ≥pT1b found in 1.5% (polyps) and 2.7% (thickening).
- Malignancy
Conclusions:
- Low incidence of gallbladder malignancy observed in patients with polyps or thickening without other malignant signs.
- Recommend multidisciplinary tumor board discussion for these cases.
- Cholecystectomy by experienced surgeons is safe; referral for advanced malignancy (≥pT1b) to a hepatobiliary center is necessary.
