All cholecystectomy specimens must be sent for histopathology to detect inapparent gallbladder cancer

Reconsidering Routine Histopathological Examination of Gallbladder Specimens in Cholecystectomy: Optimizing Clinical Practice and Resource Management

Introduction Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common procedure worldwide. Despite no visible anomalies, routine histopathological examination (HPE) of gallbladder specimens post-surgery is standard practice to exclude pathologies, notably gallbladder cancer (GBC). Incidence rates of GBC vary geographically and ethnically. Surgical intervention is recommended for advanced GBC stages, while early stages may require cholecystectomy alone. Although rare, GBC and bile duct cancers pose increased risks in certain demographics, such as women and individuals over 65. Routine HPE practices vary globally based on resource availability and GBC incidence. This study assesses the necessity of routine HPE by evaluating the selective processing of gallbladder specimens suspected of GBC, prioritizing patient safety. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study conducted at Redland Hospital, a district general hospital in Australia, investigated the necessity of routine HPE for excised gallbladder specimens. Adhering to routine HPE policy, the study encompassed all elective and emergency cholecystectomies performed from January 2023 to December 2023, excluding pediatric cases, concurrent surgical procedures, and those with suspected malignancy. Demographic data, surgery indications, intraoperative findings, histopathological results, and incidental gallbladder cancer (IGC) outcomes were analyzed. Pathology reports and case documentation were reviewed for cancerous pathology indicators. Results Over the one-year study period from January 2023 to December 2023, a total of 266 gallbladder specimens were subjected to HPE post-cholecystectomy. Of these, 201 were female and 65 were male, yielding a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Elective cholecystectomy was performed on 56.4% (150) of patients, while 43.6% (116) underwent emergency procedures. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was the primary surgical approach, except for one case requiring conversion to an open procedure. None of the patients exhibited GBC; however, 3.3% (9) displayed premalignant histopathological features in their specimens. Conclusion In conclusion, adopting a selective approach, where only gallbladder specimens with macroscopic abnormalities undergo HPE, seems prudent, especially in regions with low GBC incidence. Our study, which revealed no cases of GBC, supports this approach. It not only reduces the risk of missing incidental carcinoma in clinically unsuspected cases but also proves cost-effective and reduces the histopathology department workload without compromising patient outcomes. Therefore, we advocate for routine macroscopic examination of gallbladder specimens for abnormalities before HPE submission, particularly in cholecystectomy patients with gallstone disease.

Gallbladder cancer: Progress in the Indian subcontinent

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the commonest biliary malignancies seen in India, Argentina, and Japan. The disease has dismal outcome as it is detected quite late due to nonspecific symptoms and signs. Early detection is the only way to improve the outcome. There have been several advances in basic as well as clinical research in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the West and other developed countries but not enough has been done in GBC. Therefore, it is important and the responsibility of the countries with high burden of GBC to find solutions to the many unanswered questions like etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication. As India being one of the largest hubs for GBC in the world, it is important to know how the country has progressed on GBC. In this review, we will discuss the outcome of the publications from India highlighting the work and the developments taken place in past several decades both in basic and clinical research.

Histopathological Evaluation of Gallbladder Specimens Obtained From Living Liver Donors

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is routinely performed during living donor hepatectomy both to see the structure of the biliary tract and to determine the demarcation line based on the biliary tract junction. This study aims to present the general histopathological features of the gallbladder specimen obtained from living liver donors (LLD).

METHODS

Data from 2577 LLDs who underwent living donor hepatectomy (n = 2511) or aborted living donor hepatectomy (n = 66) in our Liver Transplantation Institute between September 2005 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Age, gender, macroscopic (length, diameter, and wall thickness), and microscopic (histopathological) features of the gallbladder of the LLDs were recorded for use in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 2493 LLDs (men: 1486, women: 1007) with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 13) met the inclusion criteria in this study. The median length, width and wall thickness of the gallbladder specimens were measured as 70 mm (IQR: 20), 50 mm (IQR: 20), and 2 mm (IQR: 1), respectively. The most common histopathological findings are normal structure (2026; 81.3%), chronic cholecystitis (n = 446; 17.9%), adenomyomatosis (n = 9), and papillary hyperplasia (n = 6), respectively. The most common pathologic findings in the gallbladder lumen are cholesterolosis (n = 207; 0.4%), cholelithiasis (n = 53), cholesterol polyp (n = 31), and noncholesterol polyp (n = 19), respectively. Significant differences were detected between the male and female genders in terms of age (P < .001), height (P < .001), weight (P < .001), body mass index (P < .001), gallbladder width (P = .001), gallbladder length (P < .001), histopathological finding (content) (P < .001), and lymph node around the gallbladder (P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

The results we obtained in this study are true gallbladder pathologies that can be detected in healthy people. In this study, it was shown that the diameter and size of the gallbladder were larger in men, whereas the incidence of cholesterolosis and cholelithiasis was higher in women.

Acute cholecystitis complicated with gallbladder empyema due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient with diabetes mellitus: a case report

Acute cholecystitis severity ranges from mild to very severe, and its most dreadful complication is gallbladder empyema. It can be caused by several etiologic agents, but Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not common among them. Here we present a 61-year-old female who lives in an area of high tuberculosis endemicity and has type 2 diabetes mellitus. She came to our hospital with a 2-day history of moderate-to-severe colicky right upper quadrant abdominal pain and other clinical manifestations compatible with AC. Imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis. An emergency open cholecystectomy was performed and the gallbladder was sent for histopathologic examination. M. tuberculosis was identified by molecular studies and the treatment was adjusted. The patient recovered uneventfully. The clinical history and physical examination are essential for raising the index of suspicion, but complementary evaluation with imaging studies is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate its complications. Tuberculosis is a major health problem worldwide, and health professionals should be aware of its clinical spectrum to approach and manage common and uncommon presentations within their scope of attention.

Safety and economic analysis of selective histopathology following cholecystectomy: multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional FANCY study

BACKGROUND

There is ongoing debate concerning the necessity of routine histopathological examination following cholecystectomy. In order to reduce the pathology workload and save costs, a selective approach has been suggested, but evidence regarding its oncological safety is lacking.

METHODS

In this multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study, all gallbladders removed for gallstone disease or cholecystitis were systematically examined by the surgeon for macroscopic abnormalities indicative of malignancy. Before sending all specimens to the pathologist, the surgeon judged whether histopathological examination was indicated. The main outcomes were the number of patients with hypothetically missed malignancy with clinical consequences (upper limit two-sided 95 per cent c.i. below 3:1000 considered oncologically safe) and potential cost savings of selective histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Twenty-two (2.19:1000) of 10 041 specimens exhibited malignancy with clinical consequences. In case of a selective policy, surgeons would have held back 7846 of 10041 (78.1 per cent) gallbladders from histopathological examination. Malignancy with clinical consequences would have been missed in seven of 7846 patients (0.89:1000, upper limit 95% c.i. 1.40:1000). No patient benefitted from the clinical consequences, while two were harmed (futile additional surgery). Of 15 patients in whom malignancy with clinical consequences would have been diagnosed, one benefitted (residual disease radically removed), two potentially benefitted (palliative systemic therapy), and four experienced harm (futile additional surgery). Estimated cost savings established by replacing routine for selective histopathological examination were €703 500 per 10 000 patients.

CONCLUSION

Selective histopathological examination following cholecystectomy is oncologically safe and could reduce pathology workload, costs, and futile re-resections.

Incidental gallbladder cancer: a retrospective clinical study of 40 cases

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Determinants of curative resection in incidental gallbladder carcinoma with special reference to timing of referral

Backgrounds/Aims

Re-resection of incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is possible in a select group of patients. However, the optimal timing for re-intervention lacks consensus.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed for a prospective database of 91 patients with IGBC managed from 2009 to 2018. Patients were divided into three groups based on the duration between the index cholecystectomy and re-operation or final staging: Early (E), < 4 weeks; Intermediate (I), > 4 weeks and < 12 weeks; and Late (L), > 12 weeks. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, and operative details of patients were analyzed to determine factors affecting the re-resectability of IGBC.

Results

Twenty-two patients in &lsquo;E&rsquo;, 48 in &lsquo;I&rsquo;, and 21 in &lsquo;L&rsquo; groups were evenly matched. Nearly two thirds were asymptomatic. Curative resection was possible in 48 (52.7%) patients. Metastasis was detected during staging laparoscopy (SL)/laparotomy in 26 (28.6%) patients. The yield of SL was more in the &lsquo;L&rsquo; group (30.8%) than in the &lsquo;I&rsquo; (11.1%) or &lsquo;E&rsquo; (nil) group, avoiding unnecessary laparotomy in 13.6%. Only 28.5% of patients in the &lsquo;L&rsquo; group could undergo curative resection (R0/R1 resection), significantly less than that in the &lsquo;E&rsquo; (50.0%) or &lsquo;I&rsquo; group (64.6%) (both p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, presentation in intermediate period and tumor differentiation increased the chance of curative resection (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Asymptomatic patients in the &lsquo;I&rsquo; group with well differentiated IGBC have the best chance of obtaining a curative resection.

Age, operation time and surgical approach can be used to detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma in cholecystectomy specimens from low-incidence settings

AIMS

Gallbladders resected for non-neoplastic diseases are systemically examined microscopically to rule out incidental dysplasia and carcinoma. The main aim of this study was to test whether a pre-grossing algorithm can detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma. The secondary aim was to test whether the algorithm can detect high-grade dysplasia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective study of clinical, pathological and radiological findings in cholecystectomy recipients was performed on a test set to develop a classification and regression tree algorithm. Cholecystectomy cases were included; exclusion criteria were age <18 years, missing pathology reports, preoperative suspicion of neoplastic disease, and cholecystectomy for non-gallbladder oncological disease. Five thousand nine hundred and eighty-two cholecystectomies from 2006 to 2018 were included in the study, with 18 cases of incidental gallbladder carcinoma and 11 cases of high-grade dysplasia. Three hundred and ninety controls were randomly selected for the testing set. Patient age, surgical approach, operation duration, dilatation of the biliary tract and gallbladder gross anomalies were statistically significant distinguishing factors in multivariate analysis (P < 0.00-0.026). Unsupervised testing with a conditional inference tree suggested that age, procedure type and operation duration can be used to identify incidental gallbladder carcinoma from controls, whereas high-grade dysplasia also requires grossing parameters to identify half of the cases (5/11).

CONCLUSION

Readily available clinical parameters and postoperative data can be used to detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma. High-grade dysplasia mostly requires grossing and microscopic examination.

Selective or Routine Histology of Cholecystectomy Specimens for Diagnosing Incidental Carcinoma of Gallbladder and Correlation with Careful Intraoperative Macroscopic Examination? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Selective or Routine histology of cholecystectomy specimens for benign gallbladder disease has always been a matter of debate because of the low prevalence and bad prognosis associated with gall bladder carcinoma. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether selective histology can be preferred over Routine histology without any harm.

METHODS

This systematic review is conducted according to PRISMA's checklist; relevant articles were searched in the database until September 1 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases, manually, with search queries and without date restrictions. Studies included in this systematic review involved patients who underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease and were diagnosed with gallbladder carcinoma incidentally either after selective or routine histology of the gallbladder.

RESULTS

A total of 24 routine or selective histology recommending studies were selected for the systematic review after following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies comprised 77,213 numbers of patients and 486 numbers of Malignancies. These studies correlate the number of IGBC diagnosed histologically with the number of IGBC's that were suspected by the surgeons intraoperative by macroscopy. Routine recommending studies show a significant number of IGBC diagnosed histologically as missed by surgeons whereas the selective recommending studies show most of the histologically diagnosed IGBC already suspected by the surgeons intraoperative. When comparing the macroscopic details of the IGBC's between routine and selective studies, we found that there was significant overlap. Most of the findings missed by the surgeons as suspicious in routine studies were suspected by the surgeons involved in selective histology recommending studies. Thereby, favouring selective histology and emphasizing the need for careful intraoperative macroscopy for suspecting IGBC.

CONCLUSION

Selective Histological examination of cholecystectomy specimens can be preferred if a careful intraoperative macroscopic examination is done and patient risk factors are taken into consideration.

Metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast found incidentally on pathology following cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Traditional oncologic pattern of spread of breast cancer is metastasis to axillary lymph nodes, lung, liver and bone (Doval et al., 2006 [1]). Here we present a case of unknown synchronous breast cancer in a patient that was revealed on histopathologic assessment following elective cholecystectomy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57 year old female presented for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy secondary to biliary colic. Histopathologic assessment of the gallbladder revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma with signet ring features, consistent with metastatic lobular carcinoma. The patient went on to have a complete oncologic workup that revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with components of high grade ductal carcinoma in situ in the left breast, lobular carcinoma in the right breast, and metastatic lobular carcinoma to left and right axillary lymph nodes as well as diffuse osseous metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic disease to the gallbladder found incidentally on elective cholecystectomy is a rare presentation of synchronous breast cancer.

Unexpected histopathology results following routine examination of cholecystectomy specimens: How big and how significant?

BACKGROUND

Routine histopathological examination (RHPE) of all gallbladder specimens is required to detect the presence of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) or any other pathology. The work aims to study the incidence and the clinical significance of detecting unusual gallbladder findings upon the RHPE of the referred cholecystectomy specimens to a histopathology laboratory section at a referral hospital in Saudi Arabia during one year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2019 to May 2020, all histopathology reports of 444 consecutive gallbladder specimens after elective and emergency cholecystectomies were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups; usual findings and unusual findings which were reviewed blindly by two other pathology consultants. Frequencies, descriptive statistics, normality test, and correlations were run. The Interrater reliability between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was assessed statistically by kappa test.

RESULTS

The results of histopathological examination of these gallbladder specimens showed that chronic cholecystitis was found in 296 out of 444 total cases (66.7%), acute cholecystitis in 52 cases (11.7%), and other associated usual findings in 85 cases (19%). Three cases (0.7%) of incidental carcinomas and other three cases (0.7%) of dysplasia. Eosinophilic carcinomas were detected in two cases (0.45%), gallbladder complete septum was found in one case, and one case of Phrygian cap anomaly. All patients with gallbladder carcinoma were diagnosed incidentally during the histopathological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

RHPE of cholecystectomy materials are required to confirm the final diagnosis and document any other pathology. Failure to detect incidental occult carcinoma may be catastrophic, given the poor prognosis.

Cost-effectiveness of gallbladder histopathology after cholecystectomy for benign disease

Background

The prevalence of incidental gallbladder cancer is low when performing cholecystectomy for benign disease. The performance of routine or selective histological examination of the gallbladder is still a subject for discussion. The aim of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of these different approaches.

Methods

Four management strategies were evaluated using decision‐analytical modelling: no histology, current selective histology as practised in Sweden, macroscopic selective histology, and routine histology. Healthcare costs and life‐years were estimated for a lifetime perspective and combined into incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to assess the additional cost of achieving an additional life‐year for each management strategy.

Results

In the analysis of the four strategies, current selective histology was ruled out due to a higher ICER compared with macroscopic selective histology, which showed better health outcomes (extended dominance). Comparison of routine histology with macroscopic selective histology resulted in a gain of 12 life‐years and an incremental healthcare cost of approximately €1 000 000 in a cohort of 10 000 patients, yielding an estimated ICER of €76 508. When comparing a macroscopic selective strategy with no histological assessment, 50 life‐years would be saved and the ICER was estimated to be €20 708 in a cohort of 10 000 patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

A macroscopic selective strategy appears to be the most cost‐effective approach.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON INCIDENTAL GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA

Background:

Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis.

Aim:

To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil.

Methods:

Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment.

Results:

Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely.

Conclusions:

It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

Linking Helicobacter pylori with gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in Moroccan population using clinical and pathological profiles

It is of interest to assess the clinical and pathological aspects of Gallbladder and biliary tract carcinomas confirmed by histological data. It is also of further interest to evaluate the link between Helicobacter pylori and biliary tract cancers. Eighty-nine (89) cases (mean age 60±12 years) of Gallbladder and biliary tract cancer confirmed by histological data were enrolled for the study at the Department of Pathology in Mohammed VI University Hospital, in Morocco. The data such as age, sex, clinical and histo pathological features were collected. Bile duct specimens were investigated for H. pylori using Giemsa and immuno histo chemistry staining. Results show that bile duct stones were found in 53.9% of cases. It is known using histological data that adeno carcinoma is common accounting for 70 % of all bile duct tumors. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori was detected in 54% of cases linking with the presence of bile duct stones characterized by the histological subtype, the macroscopic classification and lymph node's presence (p<0.001). Thus, data collected suggest the potential association of Helicobacter pylori with gallbladder cancer possibly through the formation of bile duct stones.

Systematic review of management of incidental gallbladder cancer after cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer is rare, but cancers detected incidentally after cholecystectomy are increasing. The aim of this study was to review the available data for current best practice for optimal management of incidental gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

A systematic PubMed search of the English literature to May 2018 was conducted.

RESULTS

The search identified 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, in addition to several consensus reports, multi-institutional series and national audits. Some 0·25-0·89 per cent of all cholecystectomy specimens had incidental gallbladder cancer on pathological examination. Most patients were staged with pT2 (about half) or pT1 (about one-third) cancers. Patients with cancers confined to the mucosa (T1a or less) had 5-year survival rates of up to 100 per cent after cholecystectomy alone. For cancers invading the muscle layer of the gallbladder wall (T1b or above), reresection is recommended. The type, extent and timing of reresection remain controversial. Observation time may be used for new cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI. Perforation at initial surgery had a higher risk of disease dissemination. Gallbladder cancers are PET-avid, and PET may detect residual disease and thus prevent unnecessary surgery. Routine laparoscopic staging before reresection is not warranted for all stages. Risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis increases with each T category. The incidence of port-site metastases is about 10 per cent. Routine resection of port sites has no effect on survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy is poorly documented and probably underused.

CONCLUSION

Management of incidental gallbladder cancer continues to evolve, with more refined suggestions for subgroups at risk and a selective approach to reresection.

Histopathological Examination of Gallbladder Specimens in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Gall stones are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world and common health problems throughout in developing countries. Cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical practices and postoperative analysis of cholecystectomy specimen has a great value since histopathological reports may document some entities with significant clinical significances. Gallbladder carcinomas in cholecystectomy specimens are received in our histopathology laboratory to analyse their clinicopathological features. This was a descriptive study carried out at the histopathology section of the Department of Pathology at our hospital over a period of two years ranging from November 2016 to October 2018. Both intraoperative and postoperative histological examinations of the excised gallbladder facilitated the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. Surgery-related variables and surgical approaches were evaluated according to the extent of tumor invasion. Twenty five cholecystectomy specimens of the acute and symptomatic chronic cholecystitis patients were analyzed. Standardization of the reporting were examined. Age, gender, presence of gall stone, cholesterolosis, adenomatous hyperplasia, gastric or intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, histopathological type of gallbladder carcinoma, cellular differentiation, grading, lympho vascular invision, perineural invasion, lymph node invasion, involvement of cystic duct end margin, liver invasion, omental tissue invasion and T.N.M. staging were investigated. Reported rates of histopathological findings were comparable between patients aged twenty six years to seventy six years. Epithelial hyperplasia and metaplasia were found to be related to age. The correlation between cholesterolosis and gender or metaplasia was noted. We suggest that in India and other nations, high incidences of gallbladder carcinoma, all cholecystectomy specimens must be submitted to routine macroscopic and histopathology examination in the laboratory, as this is the only capability through which malignancies can be detected at an early, potentially curable stage. This incidental finding has altered the management and outcome of this dreadful disease.

Routine Pathology and Postoperative Follow-Up are Not Cost-Effective in Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of gallstone disease is increasing and represents a strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Following cholecystectomy, gallbladder specimens are generally submitted for histopathologic examination and the diagnostic yield of this strategy remains questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of routine pathologic examination of the gallbladder specimens and investigate the results of routine postoperative follow-up visits.

METHODS

All cholecystectomies performed between January 2011 and July 2017 at a single center were evaluated. All gallbladder specimens were routinely pathologically examined. The outcome parameters were the macro- and microscopic gallbladder anomalies at pathology and the reported symptoms during routine follow-up visits 2-6 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

In the study period a total of 2763 patients underwent cholecystectomy, of which 2615 had a postoperative visit in the outpatient clinic. Seventy-three patients (3%) complained of persistent abdominal pain, and 29 of these patients were referred for further treatment, resulting in a resolution of symptoms in 97%. Of all gallbladder specimens, 199 (7%) displayed macroscopic anomalies and in four (2%) of these, gallbladder carcinoma was diagnosed.

DISCUSSION

Selective pathologic examination of gallbladder specimens in case of macroscopic anomalies appears justified. Also routine follow-up after cholecystectomy appears not useful since 97% of patients do not report any symptoms at follow-up. A selective pathology and follow-up strategy could save significant healthcare costs.

Are Incidental Gallbladder Cancers Missed with a Selective Approach of Gallbladder Histology at Cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) is an unexpected finding when a cholecystectomy is performed upon a benign indication, and the use of routine or selective histological analysis of gallbladder specimen is still debated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the proportion of submitted gallbladder specimens for pathological investigation influences the proportion of IGBC found, and what possible factors preoperatively or perioperatively could influence the selection process.

METHODS

All cholecystectomies between January 2007 and September 2014 registered in the Swedish Registry of Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) were included. Proportion of histological analysis was divided into four subgroups (0-25%, >25-50%, >50-75%, >75-100%).

RESULTS

A total of 81,349 cholecystectomies were registered, and 36,010 (44.3%) gallbladder specimens were sent for histological analysis. A total of 213 cases of IGBC were discovered, which constituted 0.26% of all cholecystectomies performed and 0.59% of the number of gallbladder specimens sent for histological analysis. Hospitals submitting >75-100% of the gallbladder specimens had significantly more IGBC/1000 cholecystectomies performed (p = 0.003). Hospitals with the most selective approach had a significantly higher proportion of IGBC/1000 gallbladders that were sent for histological analysis (p < 0.001). Factors such as higher age (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.048) and macroscopic cholecystitis (p < 0.001) were more common in gallbladder specimens from hospitals that had a selective approach to histological analysis.

CONCLUSION

A routine approach to histological analysis in cholecystectomies with a benign indication for surgery can uncover a higher proportion of IGBC cases. When a selective approach is used, risk factors should be taken into account.

Histopathological findings in cholecystectomies specimens: A single institution study of 20 584 cases

BACKGROUND

The histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens has not been standardized with a debate concerning the routine and the selective approach. The aim of this study was to assess the information obtained from routine histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens.

METHODS

All histopathological reports of cholecystectomy specimens between January 2003 and December 2016 were analyzed, including a clinical diagnosis of benign gallstone disease or cholecystitis.

RESULTS

A total of 20,584 reports were examined. The mean age of patients was 54.2 years. Patients aged more than 60 years represent 37.6% of the study population. Of all patients, 15,973 (77.6%) were females. Incidental gallbladder cancers (GBC) were present in 155 cholecystectomies specimens (0.8%). 67.1% of GBC are at T2 and T3 stage. Granulomatous cholecystitis was diagnosed in only 19 cases (0.1%). GBC were more prevalent in older patients (P < 10^-6) and cholesterolosis was more prevalent in young patients (P < 10^-6). There was no gender predilection for GBC (P = 0.739).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of incidental gallbladder carcinoma in our study is low, yet, we found a higher proportion of T2 and T3 carcinomas stage. Granulomatous cholecystitis may need further investigations and treatments. When a selective approch of histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens is used, it is important to take into account that clinical parameters are significantly associated with gallbladder cancer.

The risk of incidental gallbladder cancer is negligible in macroscopically normal cholecystectomy specimens

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is usually carried out for benign indications. Most perform routine histopathologic examination to detect incidental gallbladder cancer (GBC).

METHODS

Cholecystectomies performed at four hospitals in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area during 2010-2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with preoperative suspicion of neoplasia, active malignancy, or in whom cholecystectomy was performed as a secondary procedure were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 2034 cholecystectomies were included. In ten patients (0.5%), GBC was identified, each with an associated macroscopic finding, including local hardness (n = 1), a thickened wall (n = 5), acute inflammation and necrosis (n = 1), or suspected neoplasia (n = 3). No GBC was found in macroscopically normal gallbladders (n = 1464). Of the ten patients with GBC, five underwent subsequent liver resection, four had metastatic disease, and one had locally advanced inoperable disease. Three of the five patients who underwent liver resection were alive and disease-free at final follow-up (median 48 months). The remaining seven patients with GBC died of the disease, with a median survival of 14 months (range 10-48 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine histopathologic examination of a macroscopically normal gallbladder does not improve diagnosis of GBC. A histopathological examination is, however, mandatory when a macroscopic abnormality is present.

Histopathologic Findings of Cholecystectomy Specimens in Patients Who Underwent Donor Hepatectomy for Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to discuss the macroscopic and microscopic properties of gallbladder specimens obtained from living liver donors.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and histopathological data of 1088 donors who underwent living donor hepatectomy between March 2005 and September 2014 at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Liver Transplantation Center. Age, sex, macroscopic, and microscopic properties of the gallbladder (bladder length, diameter, content, and histopathological properties) were recorded by 2 researchers.

RESULTS

A total of 1009 donors aged 17 to 66 years (31.1 ± 9.5) met the inclusion criteria, whereas 79 donors were excluded due to missing data. In total, 587 donors were male (30.5 ± 9.1 years [16-63 years]) and 422 were female (31.8 ± 9.8 years [18-66 years]). Preoperative tests revealed Gilbert syndrome in 3 subjects, whereas other donors' biochemical tests were within normal ranges. The macroscopic examination of gallbladders revealed mean gallbladder wall thickness, length, and width of 1.82 ± 0.8 mm (1-10 mm), 72 ± 11.4 mm (40-120 mm), and 52.5 ± 14 mm (15-90 mm), respectively. The microscopic gallbladder examination showed that 740 donors had a normal gallbladder, 193 had chronic cholecystitis (1 donor had antral metaplasia and 1 had intestinal metaplasia), 40 had cholesterolosis (1 donor had both tubular adenoma and intestinal metaplasia), 15 had minimal chronic cholecystitis (1 donor had pyloric metaplasia), 14 had cholelithiasis, 2 had adenomyosis, 2 had muscular hypertrophy, 1 had papillary hyperplasia, 1 had microdiverticulitis, and 1 had mucosal lymphatic ectasia.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study reflect the actual gallbladder pathologies that can be detected in healthy people. Clearer conclusions can be reached about the epidemiological data on gallbladder as the number of living liver donors increases in the future.

Histological assessment of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis: routine or selective?

Traditionally, all cholecystectomy specimens resected for symptomatic cholelithiasis were sent for histological evaluation. The objectives of such evaluation are to confirm the clinicoradiological diagnosis, identification of unsuspected findings including incidental gallbladder malignancy, audit and research purposes, and quality control issues. Currently, there is a developing trend to consider selective histological evaluation of surgical specimens removed for clinically benign disease. This article discusses the need for routine or selective histopathological evaluation of gallbladder specimens following cholecystectomy. Although several retrospective studies have suggested selective histological evaluation of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis, the evidence is not adequate at present to recommend selective histological evaluation globally. However, it may be appropriate to consider selective histological evaluation on a regional basis in areas of extremely low incidence of gallbladder cancer only after unanimous agreement between the governing bodies of surgical and histopathological expertise.