Immediate re-resection of T1 incidental gallbladder carcinomas: a survival analysis of the German Registry

Background Incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is a carcinoma first detected by the pathologist. The indication for cholecystectomy is a benign disease. The indication for immediate re-resection (IRR) in the case of T1b incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is debated in the literature, and different recommendations often are drawn on the basis of data collected from only small groups. However, the management of IGBC is difficult because no guidelines have been established. This study aimed to determine whether T1b IGBC actually benefits from an IRR. Methods A registry was founded in 1997 for prospective recording of all IGBCs in Germany. All the patients who had a re-resection in this study were treated according to the effective guidelines in Germany. This study analyzes 502 cases of IGBC. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine whether an IRR improves the survival of patients with T1 and T1b IGBC. Results No benefit was found for 5 of the 21 T1a patients who had an IRR, but 23 of the 72 T1b patients who had an IRR experienced a significant benefit. The rate of tumor recurrence was three times lower in the T1b group that underwent IRR. Conclusion An IRR should be highly recommended for patients with IGBC in the T1b stage.