Carcinoma of the gallbladder: Diagnosis, treatment, prognosis

Despite modern imaging techniques, the majority of gallbladder cancers are recognized at the time of laparotomy, when curative procedures are rarely possible. Predisposing factors include old age, female sex and cholelithiasis. Abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss and jaundice are the most prevalent signs and symptoms. The nonspecific clinical picture combined with low sonographic diagnostic value make preoperative diagnosis unlikely. The very low survival rates, with or without surgery, dictate a more palliative approach. Palliation includes primarily the relief of pain, jaundice and intestinal obstruction. Between 1987 and 1992, we have treated 21 patients with gallbladder carcinoma. The following paper reviews these cases in light of the current literature.