SURGICAL TACTICS FOR GALLBLADDER POLYPS

Abstract

Background. Due to the use of modern diagnostic technique the detection rate of gallbladder polyps constitutes 3-6%, and the number of cholecystectomies for polyps reaches up to 10% of all operations on this organ. Objective. To evaluate diagnosis and treatment outcomes in patients with gallbladder polyps and to define specific indications for surgical treatment (on the basis of a large number of observations). Material and methods. The article evaluates diagnosis and treatment outcomes in 237 patients with gallbladder polyps. Results. 235 (99,2%) patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 2 (0,8%) patients with concomitant postoperative ventral hernia underwent herniolaparotomy, open cholecystectomy, anterior abdominal wall repair using a polypropylene mesh. Conclusions. Patients with small polyps (up to 5 mm) undergo follow-up ultrasound examination every 6 months; in case of doubtful findings CT or MRI of the gallbladder should be performed. The patients with medium polyps (5-10 mm) undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy provided the polyps are multiple or with a broad base, otherwise such patients are followed-up. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be performed in case of large polyps or in patients with gallstone disease regardless of polyp size.