[Can laparoscopic surgery be the preferred strategy for gallbladder cancer?]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Context:

• Gallbladder cancer demands radical surgery due to high malignancy.
• Laparoscopic techniques, while common in general abdominal surgery, lag in gallbladder cancer treatment.
• Anatomical complexity, technical challenges, and metastasis potential favor traditional open surgery.

Purpose:

• To reappraise the current status of laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder cancer.
• To evaluate clinical practice and research evidence regarding laparoscopic approaches.
• To explore the potential and limitations of minimally invasive techniques in gallbladder cancer surgery.

Summary:

• This study reviews the application of laparoscopic surgery across different stages of gallbladder cancer, including early, advanced, incidental, and unresectable cases.
• It systematically examines the existing clinical practices and research findings related to laparoscopic gallbladder cancer surgery.
• The review critically assesses both the advantages and disadvantages of employing laparoscopic techniques for this malignancy.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of laparoscopic surgery's role in gallbladder cancer management.
• Highlights areas where laparoscopic techniques show promise and identifies current limitations.
• Informs future research and clinical decision-making regarding minimally invasive gallbladder cancer treatment.