Histopathological Spectrum of Diseases in Gallbladder

Abstract

Introduction: Gallstones are the commonest biliary pathology, the incidence ranging from 10% to 20% of the world population. Over 95% of biliary tract disease is attributable to cholelithiasis. Gallbladder stones are known to produce histopathological changes in the gallbladder. Aim: To study spectrum of gallbladder diseases in cholecystectomy specimens and the incidence of various neoplastic and non neoplastic lesions occurring in gallbladder. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from June 2013 to June 2015 in the Department of Pathology, K S Hegde Medical Academy. A total of 200 cases of cholecystectomy specimens were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin and evaluated. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women within 4th to 5th decade, with a maximum number of patients being 41 to 50 years. Histopathologically the most common diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis followed by acute or chronic cholecystitis. There were 6 cases of acute cholecystitis, 5 cases of cholesterolosis, 2 cases of Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and one case each on empyema and carcinoma. In chronic cholecystitis and cholesterolosis female preponderance was observed while in all the other lesions male predominance was seen. Gallstones were present in 130 cases and significantly associated with various lesions. Pigment stones were most common. The present study carried out in our institution showed gallbladder malignancy was uncommon and was seen only in one case. Conclusion: Almost all of the gallbladder lesions are inflammatory in origin, of which the most common disease being chronic cholecystitis in female of 30–40 years presenting with abdominal pain. Thirdly, pigmented gall stones were found to be the most common etiology of chronic cholecystitis and malignancy of the gallbladder in this population is a rare occurrence.

Keywords

• Carcinoma
• Cholecystitis
• Cholelithiasis