Surgical management of gallbladder cancer

Abstract

This article describes the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic imaging tools, and operative management of gallbladder cancer. The rarity of gallbladder cancer coupled with the prevalence of benign gallbladder disease mean that most patients undergo initial procedures that violate tumor planes, complicating attempts at future oncologic resection. Fortunately, a previous laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy does not lessen survival after definitive surgical extirpation. Large retrospective and underpowered prospective studies have suggested benefit to adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy; however, these results need to be confirmed with large prospective randomized trials.