Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease, but our surgical oncologists have
extensive training and experience in treating this type of cancer. The
presentation of gallbladder cancer can vary significantly from patient
to patient and requires a careful assessment and customized treatment
plan. Occasionally, gallbladder cancer is found unexpectedly after a laparoscopic
gallbladder removal. In these cases, our team of surgeons, pathologists,
and radiologists will review your records to determine if further surgery
is recommended. In other instances, gallbladder cancer can spread into
the liver, which requires a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Our
surgical oncologists work closely with colleagues from each relevant division
to determine the best treatment plan for a particular tumor stage.
Treatments
Partial liver resection and lymphadenectomy
In most cases, it is necessary to remove the gallbladder and a portion
of the adjacent liver to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed.
It is also critical to remove the surrounding lymph nodes for proper staging
assessment.
Bile duct resection and hepaticojejunostomy
This procedure is performed if the tumor has spread past the gallbladder
into the main bile duct. The bile duct is completely removed, and a new
connection is made to the intestines to allow for normal bile flow.
Hepatic trisegmentectomy
In patients with larger gallbladder tumors, more extensive liver resection
and bile duct reconstruction may be required to ensure clear margins.