Comparison of oncological outcomes after open and laparoscopic re-resection of incidental gallbladder cancer

Background The safety and oncological efficacy of laparoscopic re-resection of incidental gallbladder cancer have not been studied. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic with open re-resection of incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer while minimizing selection bias. Methods This was a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer who underwent re-resection with curative intent at four centres between 2000 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analysed by intention to treat. Inverse probability of surgery treatment weighting using propensity scoring was undertaken. Results A total of 255 patients underwent re-resection (190 open, 65 laparoscopic). Nineteen laparoscopic procedures were converted to open operation. Surgery before 2011 was the only factor associated with conversion. Duration of hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic re-resection (median 4 versus 6 days; P < 0 center dot 001). Three-year OS rates for laparoscopic and open re-resection were 87 and 62 per cent respectively (P = 0 center dot 502). Independent predictors of worse OS were residual cancer found at re-resection (hazard ratio (HR) 1 center dot 91, 95 per cent c.i. 1 center dot 17 to 3 center dot 11), blood loss of at least 500 ml (HR 1 center dot 83, 1 center dot 23 to 2 center dot 74) and at least four positive nodes (HR 3 center dot 11, 1 center dot 46 to 6 center dot 65). In competing-risks analysis, the RFS incidence was higher for laparoscopic re-resection (P = 0 center dot 038), but OS did not differ between groups. Independent predictors of worse RFS were one to three positive nodes (HR 2 center dot 16, 1 center dot 29 to 3 center dot 60), at least four positive nodes (HR 4 center dot 39, 1 center dot 96 to 9 center dot 82) and residual cancer (HR 2 center dot 42, 1 center dot 46 to 4 center dot 00). Conclusion Laparoscopic re-resection for selected patients with incidental gallbladder cancer is oncologically non-inferior to an open approach. Dissemination of advanced laparoscopic skills and timely referral of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer to specialized centres may allow more patients to benefit from this operation.