Synchronous primary tumors of the extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to clarify clinicopathologic characteristics of synchronous primaries of the extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder. Understanding multiplicity and its histologic confirmation is an important step for successful surgical management.

METHODS

Of the 190 cases of resection of biliary tract neoplasms in this study, 10 had two separate tumors in the extrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder, which were investigated by the microscopic mapping technique for tumor extent using serial stepwise sectioning of specimens.

RESULTS

Clinical diagnosis was made successfully in only two cases. Detailed histologic examination revealed seven cases with synchronous primaries and three cases with metastatic tumors. Several microscopic parameters had additional diagnostic value. The presence of synchronous primaries is not necessarily associated with a poor prognosis, since we had four long-term survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of synchronous extrahepatic biliary neoplasms is rarely made preoperatively. However, aggressive resection and careful microscopic examination are essential for the successful management and diagnosis of these special cases.