Gallbladder cancer behavior in patients that underwent cholecystotomy from Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo University Hospital from january 1, 2005 to december 31, 2008

Abstract

The gallbladder cancer (GC) is a non-frequent neoplasia associated with a high mortality characteristic of the late diagnosis and the non-specific symptomatology. The surgical approach, its complications and long-term impact on survival outcomes are still under controversy in the clinical practice. In this observational retrospective study, carried out between January, 2005 to December, 2008, it was reviewed the epidemiological behavior of GC in 740 cholecystostomy. It was found 30 cases among the studied surgical specimens, age mean was of 65, there was pain in 100% of patients and pain, palpable mass and jaundice was found 23% of them. 

28 patients had ultrasound scan with 10,7% diagnostic safety, 13 patients had computed axial tomography with 15,3% diagnostic safety, 16 patients had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with 0% diagnostic safety; likewise it was carried out total single cholecystotomy, 4 patients had partial cholecystotomy (13%) and 4 patients just had exploratory laparotomy (13%). There was no radical cholecystotomies. 

Operative morbidity was of 28% and mortality was of 18%. Eight patients were candidates for adjuvant treatment using radio and/or chemotherapy. Average life after surgery was of 6.4 months. 

GC is a pathology that occurs with a higher impact on our environment and its prognosis is poor. There should be more efforts to have an earlier diagnosis and an appropriate treatment.