Clinical approach to patients with thick wall gallbladder

Abstract

Abstract Background Thick wall gallbladder (TWGB) is not an uncommon finding on ultrasonography especially in region with high prevalence of gall stones disease like north India. On most occasion, these thickening could be because of benign disorders but malignancy are not a rare cause of it. Preoperative distinction between benign and malignant causes of TWGB is important as the surgical treatment entirely differ. Despite after thorough evaluation with various imaging modalities, a definitive diagnosis cannot be reached on many occasion. The aim of our study was to review the literature for the diagnosis and management approach in patients with TWGB. Methods We perform a thorough online search of full text articles related with thick wall GB published in English literature. After doing a critical appraisal of available literature, a comprehensive narrative review was described. Conclusions In this review, the authors have described a clinical algorithmic approach by detailing the diagnostic utility of various imaging modalities and also different surgical options for treatment especially in cases of ambiguity.

Keywords

• Thick wall gallbladder
• Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis
• Chronic cholecystitis
• Gallbladder carcinoma
• Gallbladder diseases