Histopathological Spectrum of Gallbladder Lesions and Outcome Of Routine Histopathological Examination Of Cholecystectomy Specimens

Abstract Background: Cholecystectomy specimens are very frequently examined in a surgical pathology practice and reveal a myriad of lesions. Cholelithiasis is a major risk factor for most of the gallbladder diseases. Gallbladder is one of the most common organs where the incidental carcinoma is commonly reported in published literature. This study was intended to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of gallbladder lesions and to assess the utility of histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens to diagnose the incidental carcinoma. Materials and Methods: This observational and descriptive study was carried out on a total 400 cholecystectomy specimens by conventional histopathological methods. Results: Cholecystectomy specimens comprised of 4.70% all surgical pathology specimens. The mean age of patients was 41.84 ± 13.74 years. A striking female preponderance (F: M = 3.49:1) was noted. Most cases were associated with gallstones (83.5%). Non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions comprised 97.5%, and 2.5% respectively. Chronic cholecystitis was the most frequent pathology (67.5%). Adenocarcinoma was observed in 2.25% cases and 88.89% of all malignant lesions were reported as an incidental finding. Conclusion: Gallstones are consistently observed in both neoplastic as well as non-neoplastic lesions of gallbladder. Many premalignant and malignant lesions may masquerade as chronic cholecystitis; both on clinical and radiological parameters and so, histopathology proves to be a gold standard tool for the correct diagnosis. This study affirms the importance of routine histopathological examination of each and every cholecystectomy specimen; as incidental detection of gallbladder carcinoma is very high. Key words: Histopathology, Cholecystectomy, Gallstones, Cholecystitis, Adenocarcinoma