[Cancer of the gallbladder]

Of 21 patients with primary carcinoma of gallbladder the diagnosis has been considered before operation in three. Nine patients underwent laparotomy only, six a palliative resection, and six a curative resection. In these three groups, 17 patients died. The mean survival time was respectively 1.5.4.3, an 8.6 months. Four patients are alive. Three of them had a resection for a carcinoma limited to the wall of gallbladder. Two patients had radiation therapy, one after palliative resection (died 11th month), the other one after biliary and digestive by-pass (alive with a follow-up of 15 months). Three patients had dosages of carcino-embryonic antigen. Our experience suggested that: diagnosis may be suggested by echography, The usefulness of carcino-embryonic-antigen levels, radiotherapy may increase the effectiveness and length of palliation.