[Therapeutic problems of cancers of the gallbladder]

Data of 32 patients who were operated for gallbladder carcinoma were evaluated in a retrospective meta-analysis. Results were compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangio-drainage (ERCP) using large size 12/14-French gauge endo-prostheses with side flaps to prevent migration. According to the TNM classification 84% of patients were classified as stage IV, 12.5% were in a stage III and 3% were in a stage II. Only 22% of cases were operated for cure (cholecystectomies, lymphadenectomy, wedge resection of the liver). All patients died in between one year on cancer, average survival was 158 days in TNM stage II, 183 days in stage III and 75 days in stage IV. Early complication rate was in stage III and 75 days in stage IV. Early complication rate was at 28% due to cardiac and pulmonary complications. No one died as a result of the operation. Endoscopic bile duct drainage (ERCP) for gallbladder carcinoma (n = 21) was shown to be superior to surgical results with an average survival of 160 days. Early complication rate (30 day interval) was at 5.6% (n = 1014), mostly due to tube occlusion with cholangitis; clinical mortality was 2.6% only (n = 393). Occlusion of the endoscopic 12/14-French gauge tube was seen after 213 days in average. Endoscopic therapy was shown to represent an independent way in gallbladder cancer treatment not only for patients defined as not suitable for operation. All own results were compared to the literature, therapeutic regimen in gallbladder carcinoma is summarized as an organigramm.