The movement of mucosal cells of the gallbladder within the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Tumor dissemination to trocar sites following the removal of a gallbladder malignancy by laparoscopic cholecystectomy is well documented. The mode of transfer of malignant cells to those sites remains unclear. Methods: The appearance and movement of gallbladder mucosal cells within the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was prospectively studied in 15 patients, The appearance of cells on laparoscopic instruments, laparoscopic working ports, and also within a 5-mu m polycarbonate filter, filtering exhaust carbon dioxide and attached to one of the main working ports, was noted. Results: Four out of 15 gallbladders were perforated during cholecystectomy. Operative choledochography was performed in 11 of the 15 cases. Glandular cells were found on instruments at the end of the procedure in six cases, Cells were also found in two of the 15 polycarbonate filters and on the laparoscopic ports in two of the 15 cases. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cellular contamination of the peritoneal cavity is frequent during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This may occur when the gallbladder wall is macroscopically breached or when operative choledochography is performed, or by microperforation due to the application of crushing laparoscopic graspers to the gallbladder wall. Glandular cells adhere to instruments in 40% of the operative procedures and may be the main source of dissemination of malignant cells through the peritoneal cavity.