Histopathological spectrum of gall bladder lesions along with clinico-radiological correlation: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Cholecystectomy is an extremely common procedure, making the gall bladder a routine specimen for histopathological examination (HPE) in India. This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care centre, aimed to analyze the histopathological spectrum of 126 cholecystectomy specimens over six months and correlate these findings with clinical and radiological data. A male-to-female ratio of 1:4.25 was observed, with the highest incidence in the 31-40 year age group. Chronic cholecystitis was the most prevalent diagnosis (98 cases). Notably, three cases of adenocarcinoma and three cases of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis were identified, which were not conclusively diagnosed pre-operatively. This underscores a critical challenge: malignancy and other significant pathologies can be clinically and radiologically insidious, often mimicking benign conditions. The results emphatically highlight the indispensable role of thorough gross and microscopic HPE in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Routine histopathological examination is therefore essential, as it directly influences subsequent treatment decisions, prognosis, and ultimate patient outcomes, ensuring that occult malignancies and other significant lesions are not missed.