Diagnosis and Treatment of Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review our case load of the treatment and outcomes of patients with xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data about 21 patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine age, clinical symptoms and findings, preoperative screening, operative findings, surgical history, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS: There were 14 men and 7 women (mean age, 65 +/- 11.3 yr). Preoperative ultrasonography of 17 patients showed a gallbladder stone in 14 patients, adenomyomatosis plus stones in 2 patients, and a polyp in 1 patient. There were 5 patients with acute cholecystitis and 16 patients with chronic cholecystitis. Gallbladder wall thickening was noted in 3 of the 12 patients who had abdominal computed tomography. Frozen section examinations were done in 5 patients. Radical cholecystectomy was done in 1 patient because of suspected carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS: It is difficult to diagnose XGC preoperatively or intraoperatively, and the definitive diagnosis depends exclusively on pathologic examination.