Gallbladder Polyps
Growths that protrude from the inner wall of the gallbladder, usually discovered incidentally during imaging.
Overview
Gallbladder polyps are projections from the gallbladder wall into the lumen, found in 4-7% of ultrasound examinations. Most are cholesterol polyps (benign). However, polyps ≥10mm have significant malignancy risk and should be removed.
Causes
- Cholesterol deposits (most common — cholesterol polyps)
- Inflammatory polyps
- Adenomyomatosis
- True neoplastic polyps (adenomas — premalignant)
Risk Factors
- Age over 50 (for malignant polyps)
- Polyp size >10mm
- Single/sessile polyp
- Concurrent gallstones
- Indian stone belt region
Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound abdomen (first-line)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (better characterization)
- CT scan (if concern for cancer)
- No biopsy possible without surgery
Treatment Options
Surgical Treatment
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for: polyps ≥10mm, rapidly growing polyps (>2mm increase in 6 months), polyps with concurrent gallstones, or symptomatic polyps. For polyps <10mm, surveillance ultrasound every 6-12 months is appropriate. If cancer is found in histopathology, radical cholecystectomy may be needed.
Recovery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Day-care or 1-night stay. Return to work in 3-5 days. Full recovery in 1-2 weeks.
Prevention
- No specific prevention known
- Regular ultrasound surveillance for small polyps
- Remove polyps ≥10mm preventively
- Cholecystectomy for concurrent stones with polyps
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all gallbladder polyps dangerous?
How often should polyps be monitored?
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