A STUDY ON SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF GALL BLADDER CARCINOMA IN BANGLADESH

Md. Shafiqul Islam*, Md. Shariful Islam, Md. Harun-or-Rashid, Shiladitya Shil, Md. Abdullah-Hel-Baki, Rizowana Akter, Ashutosh Dev Sharma and A. S. M. Kutub Uddin

ABSTRACT

Background: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract, with a high incidence in South Asian countries, including Bangladesh. GBC is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its vague and nonspecific clinical manifestations. Despite advancements in medical and surgical oncology, GBC presents significant challenges in early detection, effective treatment, and survival outcomes, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the current trends, challenges, and outcomes of surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma in Bangladesh. Method: This retrospective study was conducted in Pabna Medical College & Hospital, Pabna, Bangladesh from May 2024 to November 2024. Data from 20 patients diagnosed with GBC were analyzed, focusing on demographic details, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and surgical management outcomes. Selection criteria included patients with confirmed GBC diagnosed preoperatively, intraoperatively, or postoperatively. Results: The study found that the majority of patients were in the 51-60 years age group (40%), followed by those aged >60 years (35%). Females accounted for 65% of the cases, indicating a higher prevalence among women. The most common clinical presentations were obstructive jaundice and flatulent dyspepsia (35% each), followed by suspicious ultrasonographic findings (25%). Surgical interventions included hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy (10%), while several patients required palliative procedures due to advanced disease. Conclusion: Gallbladder carcinoma predominantly affects older women, with nonspecific symptoms complicating early diagnosis. Surgical management varied depending on disease stage, with a mix of curative and palliative procedures. These findings highlight the need for earlier detection and improved screening strategies in Bangladesh to enhance patient outcomes. Further research is crucial to improve diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches for better survival rates.

Keywords: Gallbladder carcinoma, Surgical management, Palliative care.