Extended hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer

Background: Although radical cholecystectomy is the standard of care for gallbladder cancers that invade perimuscular connective tissue or perforate visceral peritoneum, the role of extended right hepatectomy in achieving negative resection margins is not clear. Methods: Clinicopathologic, perioperative, and long-term outcome data were reviewed from patients,who underwent hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer. Results: From 1995 to 2005, 22 consecutive patients underwent hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer, and 11 underwent extended hepatectomy. Negative resection margins were achieved in all patients. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival after extended and minor hepatectomy. T3 tumors negatively predicted overall and recurrence-free survival. Comments: Extended hepatectomy achieves negative resection margins for patients with gallbladder cancer and is associated with acceptable morbidity and long-term survival. (c) 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.