Incidental carcinoma of gallbladder

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cases of incidental carcinoma of gallbladder (CaGB) in our unit, and to establish a preferred treatment regimen after the literature review. For this purpose histopathological reports of all the patients undergoing cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis, between January, 1997 and December, 1999, were reviewed retrospectively. Cases of incidental carcinoma of gallbladder were identified and studied in detail with review of their pathology and follow-up records. Present condition of these patients was then obtained by making contact at their residence. Literature review was conducted before concluding on the preferred treatment. Six hundred and thirty patients (mean age 47 years) underwent cholecystectomy in the three-year study period. Five (1.36%) were found to have Incidental CaGB (mean age 54.2 years). All the five had Nevin's stage II disease. Two patients had recurrence in the first six months after the surgery. One of them expired. Rest of the three patients are well at a follow-up of 10, 16, and 23 months postoperatively. Simple cholecystectomy is adequate procedure for stage I carcinoma of gallbladder. Preferred treatment for stage II is still debatable.