Is selective histopathologic examination of the gallbladder permissible?

Abstract

Background: Necessity of routine histopathologic examination of the gallbladder is debated for the past years. Recent changes in the Dutch national guideline support a selective histopathologic (Sel-HP) examination of the gallbladder. The aim of our study was to identify the moment of diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, and explore whether Sel-HP is feasible. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the basis on which the diagnosis of cancer was established between 2004 and 2015 in the IKZ region. We identified all patients of whom the diagnosis was establish prior to or during surgery and those who were diagnosed post-operative. With that information we expected to discover that the macroscopic examination in the operating room, by the surgeon, suffices in a great number of cases. Results: Histological gallbladder examination occurred in 31902 patients and malignancy was diagnosed in 205 cases, 96 were found inoperable due to metastatic disease. In 34, the diagnosis or high suspicion was already made before the operation. In another 30 we found description of a tumour in the operation report. In just 38 there was no mention of a suspicious gallbladder appearance. Upon macroscopic examination in the pathology laboratories, abnormalities were seen in 23 of the 38. In the remaining 15, it was documented that the specimens were taken at random. Of these 15 cases, 8 were either acute cholecystitis, conversion or open procedure which would problably vanguard additional histopathologic inspection. Resulting in unexpected gallbladder malignancy in just 7 cases. Of these cases only 1 was referred for additional surgery. Conclusions: We presented one of the largest single study cohort of gallbladder cancer and histopathologic gallbladder specimens. The major part of the invasive gallbladder cancers showed macroscopic abnormalities perioperative. Therefore Sel-HP seems a feasible policy and would reduce costs and pathological workload.