Histomorphological study of mucosal changes in gall bladder in a tertiary care centre

Introduction: Gall bladder diseases are a cause of great concern. Cholelithiasis has troubled humanity since long and has been a common disease worldwide. They are among the most common gastrointestinal conditions presenting with acute pain in abdomen. Gall stone disease is usually common among middle aged females who are fertile and fatty. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care teaching Institute of Western Uttar Pradesh. The study period was one year (October 2015–September 2016) with a sample size of 500 cases. Gross examination of gall bladder was done in the department and sections from representative areas were taken for microscopic examination. Special stains were used as and when required. Statistical analysis was carried out to assess the significance of various risk factors and mucosal changes in different age groups and genders. Results: of the total 500 cases, 441(88.2%) were females and 59(11.80%) were males. Maximum cases of gall bladder disease were in the age group of 31-40 years in both the sexes. Amongst all lesions, 394 (78.8%) patients had gallstones and 106 (21.2%) were acalculous. Majority of the gall stones were of mixed type in 310 (78.69%) cases. The commonest pathological mucosal changes observed included chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis in 250 (62.5%) cases. 50 cases each in the pre-malignant and malignant category were observed. Conclusion: Gall bladder diseases are most commonly seen in females. Majority of cases were of chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Gall stones mainly injure the mucosal columnar epithelium leading to changes such as metaplasia, dysplasia or neoplasia. Knowledge of non-neoplastic as well as pre-neoplastic conditions is important especially since they cause significant morbidity or even mortality.