Incidental cancer in elderly versus younger patients underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy: A retrospective analysis of 2389 patients

INTRODUCTION: Routine histopathological examination allows the detection of incidental gallbladder cancers. In the present study, we aimed to determine the rate of incidental gallbladder cancer and other pathology outcomes in young and elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.
METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy in the acute or elective period in our center were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 2389 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, as the younger (<60 years old) and elderly (≥60 years old).
RESULTS: Of all patients, 476 (19.9%) were male and 1913 (80.1%) were female; the mean age was 46 years (range 17-90). There were 486 patients in the elderly group (18.7%). Chronic cholecystitis was detected in 2228 patients, acute cholecystitis in 141, Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis in eight, gangrenous cholecystitis in six, and follicular cholecystitis and adenocarcinoma in three patients each. Chronic cholecystitis was more common in the young group, while acute cholecystitis was more common in the elderly group (p<0.05). Adenocarcinoma was detected in three patients (0.13%), all of whom were in the elderly group (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Acute or chronic cholecystitis accompanied by a thickened gallbladder wall and a prolonged history of gallstones may be accompanied by malignancy, especially in elderly patients.