Porcelain Gallbladder
ICD-10 K82.8 · ICD-11 DC12.1.0

Treatment of Porcelain Gallbladder with Complete Intramural Calcification in a Young, Fit Patient

This protocol addresses the management of porcelain gallbladder characterised by complete intramural calcification of the gallbladder wall, in the absence of symptoms or complications of gallbladder disease, in a patient who is young and fit and does not carry a high risk of perioperative mortality.

Clinical Scenario

Gallbladder calcification can be classified by its extent — complete intramural calcification is one recognised pattern. In this scenario the patient is asymptomatic, free of active gallbladder complications, and is considered a suitable surgical candidate given their age, fitness, and low perioperative risk.

Approach (Overview)

For patients meeting this profile, a surgical approach using a minimally invasive technique is considered appropriate, with intraoperative evaluation of the surgical specimen as a required step. The full structured regimen — including the specific procedural details — is available via the link below.

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References
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061073
  1. Calcification of the gallbladder is classified based on its extent: complete intramural calcification and selective mucosal calcification.
  2. In young and fit patients, cholecystectomy is a good option; however, it is not recommended for those who have a high risk of perioperative mortality, and conservative management is better in them.
  3. When prophylactic cholecystectomy is performed in patients with PGB, a laparoscopic approach is considered appropriate.
  4. While surgeons perform cholecystectomy, it is essential to subject the surgical specimen to a frozen section and perform histopathological examinations.