Is Routine Histopathology of the Gallbladder After Elective Cholecystectomy Justified: A Single Centre Study

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Cholecystectomy specimens are sent for histology, important diagnoses including porcelain gallbladder, carcinoma-in-situ, and early carcinomas may be missed. Because of the potential for such mistakes, it is imperative that histological analysis be performed on each and every cholecystectomy specimen. The goal of the study was to find out if comprehensive histopathological examination of gallbladder samples was feasible.

Methodology: This cohort study was conducted from Aug-Dec 2022 in the Combined Military Hospital's. 470 patients were enrolled having gallstone-related acute or chronic cholecystitis patients hospitalized through the outpatient department.

Results: The mean age was 26.5 ±13.9. Histopathology results for acute appendicitis were positive in 176 patients, 137 of whom were male (77.84%) and 39 were female (22.16%). Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was seen in 134 patients, 77 (57.54%) were male and 57 (42.54%) were female; 45 patients, 24 (53.33%) were male and 21 (46.67%) were female, had appendicitis that was resolving. Appendices from 43 patients showed fecalith in 13 (30.24%) males and 30 (60.96%) females, while appendices from 20 patients showed fibrosis in 14 (70%) males and 6 (30%) females. The histopathology of the appendixes of 18 patients demonstrated fibrous obliteration; among these patients, 8 were male (44.55%) and 10 were female (55.55%).

Conclusion: Gallbladder cancer is likely to be discovered by chance, so it is highly recommended that all gallbladder specimens be sent for routine histopathology. This recommendation should be doubled for individuals who are more at risk, such as the elderly and those with persistent symptoms.

Keywords: Gallbladder malignancy, Cholelithiasis, Cholecystectomy