Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Cancer- The Controversies and Algorithmic Approach to Management

Incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer (IGBC) is defined as the gallbladder cancer (GBC) diagnosed during or after the cholecystectomy done for unsuspected benign gallbladder disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most common procedure performed for benign gallbladder disease worldwide. Majority of GBC patients have associated gallstones. With the advent of ultrasonography more patients are being diagnosed with gallstones and are being subjected to cholecytectomy. IGBC is found in 0.2–2.9 % of all cholecytectomies done for gallstone disease. It represents 27–41 % of all GBC. Patients with IGBC having Tis and T1a stage, with negative cystic duct margin can be treated by simple cholecystectomy alone. Patients with stage T1b and beyond should undergo restaging, and should be treated with radical re - resection (R0). Residual disease is found in 40–76 % patients on re-exploration. The survival rates of patients undergoing re resection for IGBC is similar to those undergoing primary radical surgery. LC is contraindicated in patients with GBC. Patients presenting post LC should undergo radical re- resection and additional port site excision, as they have a high incidence of port site metastasis. At cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease all gallbladder specimens should be opened before closing abdomen and if available all suspicious specimens should be sent for immediate frozen section. All gallbladder specimens should be subjected to histopathology examination to avoid missing GBC. The surgeon should have a high index of suspicion for GBC if encountering difficult cholecystectomy for a benign disease, and in patients with atypical clinical and ultrasound findings in high incidence areas.