Does gallbladder polyp size as measured using radiographic modalities predict pathological size in all types of polyps?

Abstract

Background: Gallbladder polyps can be classified into two main types: cholesterol and adenoma. As polyp size is reported to be a factor suggestive for malignant polyps, this study aimed to evaluate whether radiographic size or any clinical factors are predictive of the pathological size of polyps. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. The inclusion criteria were that patients had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy, had been diagnosed with gallbladder polyps using any radiographic modality, and had available pathological results. A clinical predictive model for pathological polyp size was calculated using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: During the study period, there were 85 patients who met the study criteria. The average polyp size according to radiographic modalities was slightly larger than average (7.2 vs 5.6 mm). The majority of polyps were cholesterol polyps (66; 77.6%). The sizes of the polyps according to radiographic imaging were significantly associated with the pathological sizes of the polyps. Age was another significant factor related to the size of polyps identified using pathological methods in the adenoma group, with a coefficient of 0.264 ( P = 0.021). Conclusions: Gallbladder polyp size as determined using radiographic modalities can predict the pathological size in both cholesterol and adenoma polyps. Some adjustments are needed, particularly in patients with adenoma polyps.