Association of Various Factors with Gallbladder Malignancy in Patients Surgically Treated with Malignancy

Abstract

Introduction: Gallbladder cancer occurs when malignant (cancer) cells grow in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in the upper right of your abdomen, just under your liver. The main reason is that most gallbladder malignancy patients are asymptomatic, and the symptoms are similar to those of benign gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Thus, the diagnosis of malignancy is often delayed and the outcomes of patients with gallbladder malignancy are poor. This study will examine the prevalence of these factors in patients who have undergone surgery for gallbladder disease, and determine if there is a correlation with the development of gallbladder cancer. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional and observational study was carried out in the Department of Surgery BSMMU from July 2023 to August 2024. Total of 100 patients were included in the study. Patients who had undergone gallbladder surgery at the hospital were recruited for the study using consecutive sampling. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire and digital Vernier slide calliper, after obtaining informed written consent. Results: The present study findings showed that the majority (65%) of the participants were between the age of 50-59 years, with 38% being male and 62% being female. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (63%), hypertension (44%) and anaemia (40%). The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (76%) and the most common histopathological diagnosis was chronic calculous cholecystitis (49%), while 20% of participants had gallbladder carcinoma. The study found an association between age, gallbladder wall thickness and gallbladder malignancy. Participants who were 60 years or older were 4.865 times more likely to have gallbladder carcinoma and those with severe wall thickness (>10mm) were 13.32 times more likely to have gallbladder carcinoma. Conclusion: The most common comorbidities were diabetes, hypertension, and anaemia, while the most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain, anorexia, and nausea. 20% of participants had gallbladder carcinoma. Elderly females with gall bladder diseases should be evaluated extensively for early diagnosis and management of gall bladder carcinoma. All resected gall bladder specimens should be examined by the histopathological study to confirm the diagnosis.