You are here

Do I need surgery for my gallbladder polyp (GBP)?

Submitted by julianchoiadmin on Tue, 2017-04-04 23:16

Most patients with an incidentally found gallbladder polyp do not require cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder surgery).  However, it is important to see your doctor for further assessment.  A recent systematic review of the topic is discussed here.  This study (Elmasry M et. al, Int J Surg 2016) involved a review of 5482 patients with a gallbladder polyp, with an incidence of malignant gallbladder polyp of 0.57%. Risk factors for increased risk of malignancy were gallbladder polyp > 6mm, single GBP, symptomatic GBP, age > 60 years, Indian ethnicity, gallstones and cholecystitis.  Gallbladder carcinoma is often incurable once detected, thus prevention is the key for successful treatment in patients GBP > 6mm.