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: R0 resection (na 45) was a highly significant independent survival predictor (P , 0.001). All 5-year survivors (na 10) had tumour-free resection margins. Early T stage (Pa 0.017) and highly differentiated cancer (Pa 0.008) had a significant better outcome. Nodal spreading increased by local tumour extension and lymphatic involvement decreased patient survival (Pa 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. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.