Histopathological spectrum of gallbladder diseases in a tertiary care centre

Introduction: Gallstones are the commonest biliary pathology, the incidence ranging from 10% to 20% of the world population. Over 95% of biliary tract disease is attributable to cholelithiasis. Gallbladder stones are known to roduce histopathological changes in the gallbladder. Aim: To study the spectrum of gallbladder pathology in cholecystectomy specimens. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2014 in the department of pathology, tertiary care centre. A total of 197 cases of cholecystectomy specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and evaluated. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women within 4th to 5th decade, with a aximum number of patients being 41 to 50 years. Histopathologically the most common diagnosis was chronic calculous cholecystitis amounting to 122 cases. Female preponderance was observed in all gallstone diseases. Gallstones were present in 126 cases and significantly associated with various lesions. Pigment stones were most common. The present study carried out in our institution showed gallbladder malignancy was uncommon and was seen only in two cases. Conclusion: Almost all of the gallbladder lesions are inflammatory in origin, of which the most common disease being chronic calculous cholecystitis presenting with abdominal pain. Pigmented gall stones were found to be the most common etiology of chronic cholecystitis.