Long-term follow-up of surgically treated gallbladder cancer patients

Aims: Palliative attempts have traditionally led treatment of gallbladder cancer but resection offers the only chance for long-term survival. This study investigates the impact of surgery with curative intent in gallbladder cancer treatment and evaluates prognostic factors for survival. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-seven patients were admitted for surgical therapy. Sixty received resection with curative intent and form the basis of this analysis. Results: RO resection (n = 45) was a highly significant independent survival predictor (P < 0.001). All 5-year survivors (n = 10) had tumour-free resection margins. Early T stage (P = 0.017) and highly differentiated cancer (P = 0.008) had a significant better outcome. Nodal spreading increased by local tumour extension and lymphatic involvement decreased patient survival (P = 0.018). Patients' age (>75 years) was without influence on long-term survival. Conclusions: Long-term survival is possible both in elderly patients and in advanced cancer. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.