Real-World Management and Economic Burden of Gallbladder Polyps.

Abstract

Background: Gallbladder polyps (GBP) are found incidentally on imaging in ∼5% of the general population. Most are asymptomatic and only a very small percentage are malignant. This study examines real-world clinical practice management of GBP and adherence to the updated joint European guidelines.

Methods: Patients with GBP between January 2019 and October 2022 were included. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were collected retrospectively.

Results: One hundred thirty-eight patients were included (mean age 47.0±14.1; female 46.4%). The average follow-up period was 30.6±40.8 months. During the study period, only 26.0% of patients had an increase in GBP size. There were no predictors for GBP growth. Cholecystectomy was performed in 30 patients: 19 (63.3%) had GBP as the indication, and in those, only 9/19 (47.4%) had proper indications according to guidelines. No malignant polyps were found, and no GBP-related deaths were reported. Increased polyp size (P<0.0001) and number (P=0.014) during follow-up were significantly associated with cholecystectomy. Of the 104 patients who did not have surgery, 70 (67.3%) had no indication for follow-up imaging, but 42 (60%) were advised to continue follow-up. The average increased cost of guideline-inconsistent follow-up imaging was >$51,000 and >$67,000 for unindicated cholecystectomies, bringing total waste expenditures to >$118,000.

Conclusion: The natural history of GBP does not justify close or prolonged follow-up, especially in young individuals without risk factors. Poor adherence to guidelines by radiologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other health care providers should be addressed, offering a real opportunity for medical education and significant health care savings.