HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF CHOLECYSTECTOMY SPECIMENS: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70905/bmcj.07.01.0625Keywords:
Cholecystectomy, Histopathology, Chronic Cholecystitis, Acute cholecystitis, Dysplasia, Gallbladder carcinomaAbstract
Background: Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed abdominal surgical procedure worldwide. Although routine Histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens is standard practice, its diagnostic utility in identifying incidental pathologies, particularly premalignant and malignant lesions, remains clinically significant.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the histomorphological patterns in 1036 cholecystectomy specimens and emphasize the utility of routine Histopathological examination for precise diagnosis.
Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1036 cholecystectomy specimens was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. Standard Histopathological processing and examination techniques were employed. Patient demographics and Histopathological diagnoses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
All consecutive cholecystectomy specimens received during the study period were included irrespective of age or gender. Specimens with inadequate fixation, and incomplete clinic pathological data were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 with frequency distributions and percentages calculated for all variables.
Results: Chronic cholecystitis was identified in 421 cases (40.6%), followed by acute cholecystitis in 208 cases (20.1%). These two entities accounted for 60.7% of all specimens examined. Intestinal metaplasia in chronic cholecystitis occurred in 50 cases (4.82%). Dysplasia was detected in 6 cases (0.57%), representing a significant pre-malignant finding. Invasive gallbladder carcinoma was identified in 8 specimens (0.77%). A marked female predominance was observed across major diagnostic categories.
Conclusion: Routine histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens is essential for detecting diverse gallbladder pathologies and identifying incidental pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Detection of dysplasia in 0.57% and carcinoma in 0.77% of specimens underscores the clinical importance of routine histological evaluation.
