Recent Updates on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up of Gallbladder Polyps
10.4166/kjg.2020.76.3.102
- Author:
Sung Ill JANG
1
;
Jae Hee CHO
;
Dong Ki LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology
2020;76(3):102-107
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
A gallbladder (GB) polyp is an elevation of the GB mucosa that protrudes into the GB lumen. GB polyps have an estimated prevalence of 0.3-9.5% and can be divided into neoplastic (true) polyps and nonneoplastic polyps (pseudopolyps). Pseudopolyps are most commonly cholesterol polyps but also include focal adenomyomatosis and inflammatory polyps with no malignant potential. Neoplastic polyps, however, can be benign or malignant. Benign polyps are most commonly adenomas, while malignant polyps are usually adenocarcinoma. Transabdominal ultrasonography is the main radiological modality used for diagnosing and surveilling GB polyps. On the other hand, because it is difficult to diagnose GB polyps before surgery, alternative imaging modalities, such as endoscopic ultrasound, are being further evaluated. The current guidelines recommend cholecystectomy for GB polyps ≥ 10 mm in size as well as suboptimal sized GB polyps (6-9 mm) with other risk factors, including age >50, sessile, and symptoms. The quality of the evidence behind this practice is relatively low. Therefore, this review identifies the current gaps in the available evidence and guidelines and introduces methods that can help make decisions regarding patients who require a cholecystectomy or follow-up.
