Gall Bladder Polyps : A Paradigm Shift – Need for Reappraisal of Guidelines

Background : Gall Bladder Polyps are mucosal lesions that project from the Gall Bladder wall into the Gallbladder lumen. They form morphologically distinct lesion/s with internal characteristics different than that of neighboring structures as verified by microscopic examination. About 4-6% are picked up clinically, 2-12% in Cholecystectomy specimens and 4% on Ultrasound. Materias and Methods : A three calendar year retrospective single surgical unit study compromised of 1442 cholecystectomies performed for benign Gall Bladder Disease. The patient were subjected to Ultrasound of abdomen for diagnosis and routine clinic work up. The Gall Bladders Harboring Polyps were examined grossly for site ,number, and microscopy for histological details. Results : In a total number of 40 cases of Gall Bladder Polyp, females outnumbered males. This series spreads over age groups of 3rd decade - 9th decade, most of the patients were seen in 6th decade of life. Youngest patients were 27 years old and oldest one was 85 years old. Incidentally, none of the old patients had evidence of malignancy on histopathology in their Gall Badder Polyp, only 2% were necessitated for a pre-operative diagnosis of Gall Bladder Polyps alone. Rest required it for presence of Gallstones with or without Polyp. None of >10mm size showed any malignant change on histopathological examination. On the Contrary, among the polypoid lesions <10mm size, one polypid lesion (7mm) showed a malignant change (Carcinoma in situ) Conclusion : A predictive model for neoplastic potential of Gall Bladder Polyp may support clinical decision to achieve an ideal therapeutic outcome. Hence a need for reappraisal of management guidelines.

Role of water quality assessments in hospital infection control: Experience from a new oncology center in eastern India.

Water quality assessment and timely intervention are essential for health. Microbiology, total dissolved solids (TDS) and free residual chlorine were measured for water quality maintenance in an oncology center in India. Impact of these interventions over a period of 22 months has been demonstrated with four cardinal events. Pseudomonas in hospital water was controlled by adequate chlorination, whereas high TDS in the central sterile supply department water was corrected by the installation of electro-deionization plant. Contaminated bottled water was replaced using quality controlled hospital supply. Timely detection and correction of water-related issues, including reverse osmosis plant was possible through multi-faceted approach to water quality.