[Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder. Clinico-statistical findings in 24 cases]

Twenty-four cases of primary carcinoma of the gallbladder (1.3% of gallbladder operations) collected over a period of 8 years are compared with those reported in the literature. This form has a very poor prognosis due to delays in diagnosis, early regional extension, and often insufficient surgical management. Women over 60 are the main victims. Abdominal pain is nearly always present, with icterus in 50% of cases. In 5/24 cases, the diagnosis was based on histological examination of the surgical specimen in the absence of clinical signs preceding the operation. It is felt that prophylactic cholecystectomy is desirable in cases of symptomatic or asymptomatic lithiatic cholecystopathy, especially in subjects most at risk. Suitable treatment of curable forms requires cholecystectomy combined with cuneiform hepatic resection and regional lymphadenectomy.