ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: There is no definitive operative indications for treatment of Gallbladder (GB) polypoid lesions. The objective of this study was to determine the indications for surgical treatment of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. METHODS: Surgically resected polypoid lesions of the gallbladders of 111 patients who were treated at the Department of Surgery, EulJi Medical College, from Jan. 1991 to Jun. 2000 were evaluated based on patient age & sex, histologic result, and size & shape of the polyp. RESULTS: Out of the 111 cases, benign polyps were found in 88 cases (79%) and malignant polyps in 23 cases (21%). In sessile polyps, the average diameter of the benign polyps was 8.1+/-9 mm, and that of the malignant polyps was 16.6+/-9 mm, while in pedunculated polyps, the average diameter of the benign polyps was 9.5+/-8 mm, and that of the malignant polyps was 27.0+/-22 mm. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, surgical treatment is recommended if a sessile polyp is more than 5 mm and a pedunculated polyp is more then 10 mm because, in these cases, the chance of malignancy cannot be excluded. Also, if there are any symptoms related with the GB, regardless of how large it is and whether GB stone exists or not, surgical treatment is desirable.