Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Sep;24(9):2192-6.
doi: 10.1007/s00464-010-0925-1. Epub 2010 Feb 23.

Gallbladder cancer: role of laparoscopy in the management of potentially resectable tumors

Affiliations

Gallbladder cancer: role of laparoscopy in the management of potentially resectable tumors

Xabier de Aretxabala et al. Surg Endosc. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role that laparoscopy plays in the management of gallbladder cancer.

Method: From August 2005 to March 2009, 23 patients affected by gallbladder cancer detected after the study of a cholecystectomy specimen underwent laparoscopy as part of their management.

Results: Among the patients, 5 underwent only an exploratory laparoscopy, while 11 were converted due to the existence of dense adhesions that precluded a complete exploration. Of the patients with adhesions who underwent conversion, three were unresectable. The remainder underwent a lymphadenectomy and liver resection after conversion. Of the seven who underwent a complete laparoscopic exploration, five had a lymphadenectomy and liver resection done completely by laparoscopy while conversion was needed for two. Conversion was required due to lymphatic metastasis at the hepatic pedicle and the presence of a bile leak. Postoperative time was uneventful, with patients discharged within 3 days of the operation.

Conclusions: Laparoscopy may be employed in the management of patients with early forms of gallbladder cancer undergoing reoperation. Although the presence of adhesions may result in inadequate exploration, there is a subset of patients for whom it is possible to perform a complete exam. Furthermore, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy and gallbladder bed resection is a promising technique in well-selected patients.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. N Engl J Med. 2004 May 13;350(20):2050-9 - PubMed
    1. Surg Clin North Am. 2004 Apr;84(2):451-62 - PubMed
    1. Surgery. 1998 Nov;124(5):831-8 - PubMed
    1. Surg Endosc. 2008 Jan;22(1):38-44 - PubMed
    1. Ann Surg. 2009 Jan;249(1):82-6 - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources