Gallbladder adenomas in the 10–15 mm range, and cases presenting with gallbladder wall thickening, occupy an intermediate risk category. When there is no preoperative evidence or indication of malignancy, a specific surgical strategy applies — distinct from watchful waiting and from the more extensive resections reserved for confirmed cancer.
This protocol applies to patients with a gallbladder adenoma measuring 10–15 mm in size, or with gallbladder wall thickening, where preoperative workup has found no evidence of malignancy and no indication that cancer is present.
The absence of preoperative malignancy signs is central to the approach: the surgical plan is calibrated accordingly, yet must remain adaptable if intraoperative findings change the picture.
The recommended intervention involves a minimally invasive surgical technique, performed by an experienced general surgeon. A defining technical priority throughout the procedure is the prevention of gallbladder perforation — this is considered essential regardless of operative circumstances.
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i6.1507
For patients with adenomas 10-15 mm in size or with gallbladder wall thickening, it is recommended that an experienced general surgeon safely perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as long as there is not any preoperative evidence or even an indication of malignancy.
It is of the utmost importance to avoid gallbladder perforation in any case to prevent the possible intraperitoneal spread of cancer cells in cases of initially hidden malignancy, which will eventually be discovered via specimen biopsy.
This obligation may necessitate the conversion of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery without any hesitation due to the possible operative difficulties encountered.
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