Abstract
Gallbladder calcification, also referred to as porcelain gallbladder, has received significant attention in the medical literature due to its perceived role in increasing the risk of developing a gallbladder carcinoma. However, recent reports raise questions challenging this purported high risk. While previous studies reported a concomitant incidence of gallbladder cancer in porcelain gallbladder ranging from 7-60%, more recent analyses indicate the incidence to be much lower (6%). Based on evidence in the current literature, a prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended for all patients with porcelain gallbladder and should be restricted to those with conventional indications, such as young patients. However, it is important to note that a nonoperative approach may require prolonged follow-up. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with porcelain gallbladder, although some researchers have indicated a higher incidence of complications and conversion due to technical difficulties.
Highlights
Gallbladder calcification, referred to as porcelain gallbladder, has received significant attention in the medical literature due to its perceived role in increasing the risk of developing a gallbladder carcinoma
Based on evidence in the current literature, a prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended for all patients with porcelain gallbladder and should be restricted to those with conventional indications, such as young patients
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with porcelain gallbladder, some researchers have indicated a higher incidence of complications and conversion due to technical difficulties
Summary
Abstract: Gallbladder calcification, referred to as porcelain gallbladder, has received significant attention in the medical literature due to its perceived role in increasing the risk of developing a gallbladder carcinoma. A cholecystectomy has become the norm for treating current and preventing future malignancy in patients with PGB.[1,2] Modern techniques for investigating gallbladder pathology have led to the earlier detection of PGB in comparison to plain X-rays.[7,8] This change has led to a distortion of the evidence base and a considerable decrease in the rate of detection of CaGB among patients with PGB.[1,2,9,10] Several recent reports have indicated a much lower incidence of CaGB, raising questions regarding the age-old practice of performing a routine cholecystectomy on patients with PGB.[2,9,10] complications following a cholecystectomy are reportedly higher in patients with PGB.[10] Based on the present evidence in the literature, this review discusses the incidence of PGB, its association with CaGB and the need for a cholecystectomy in patients with PGB
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