Published online Oct 27, 2016. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v8.i10.685
Peer-review started: May 11, 2016
First decision: June 14, 2016
Revised: August 4, 2016
Accepted: August 15, 2016
Article in press: August 16, 2016
Published online: October 27, 2016
Processing time: 169 Days and 15.5 Hours
To analyse the range of histopathology detected in the largest published United Kingdom series of cholecystectomy specimens and to evaluate the rational for selective histopathological analysis.
Incidental gallbladder malignancy is rare in the United Kingdom with recent literature supporting selective histological assessment of gallbladders after routine cholecystectomy. All cholecystectomy gallbladder specimens examined by the histopathology department at our hospital during a five year period between March 2008 and March 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Further data was collected on all specimens demonstrating carcinoma, dysplasia and polypoid growths.
The study included 4027 patients. The majority (97%) of specimens exhibited gallstone or cholecystitis related disease. Polyps were demonstrated in 44 (1.09%), the majority of which were cholesterol based (41/44). Dysplasia, ranging from low to multifocal high-grade was demonstrated in 55 (1.37%). Incidental primary gallbladder adenocarcinoma was detected in 6 specimens (0.15%, 5 female and 1 male), and a single gallbladder revealed carcinoma in situ (0.02%). This large single centre study demonstrated a full range of gallbladder disease from cholecystectomy specimens, including more than 1% neoplastic histology and two cases of macroscopically occult gallbladder malignancies.
Routine histological evaluation of all elective and emergency cholecystectomies is justified in a United Kingdom population as selective analysis has potential to miss potentially curable life threatening pathology.
Core tip: The selective use of histopahological examination of gallbladders removed during routine cholecystectomy has been advocated by several authors in the literature. We present a large single centre study demonstrating a full range of gallbladder disease from cholecystectomy specimens, including more than 1% neoplastic histology and two cases of microscopic gallbladder malignancies in macroscopically normal gallbladders. On this basis, routine histological evaluation of all elective and emergency cholecystectomies is justified in an United Kingdom population as selective analysis has potential to miss potentially curable life threatening pathology.