Gallbladder Cancer in the Twentieth Century: Single Institution’s Experience

The purpose of this study was to understand trends in the presentation, management, and outcome of patients of patients with gallbladder cancer treated over a period of 85 years at a single institution. We analyzed patients with gallbladder carcinoma treated at our institution between 1990 and 2000 (n = 66). Data from this series were analyzed in the context of previously reported series from our institution (beginning in 1915) to understand trends in the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with gallbladder carcinoma. The mean age of patients has increased from 53.6 years (1915–1932) to 65.0 years (1990–2000). The gender (73% female) distribution of patients and most the common presenting symptoms (abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, nausea, abdominal mass) have not changed over the 85 years. More extensive surgery is being performed on patients with gallbladder carcinoma. The mean survival of patients with gallbladder cancer has increased from 3.6 months (1915–1932) to 10.0 months (1990–2000). The presentation of patients with gallbladder cancer has not changed over the 85 years. Most patients still present with advanced disease. The overall survival of patients with gallbladder cancer is poor, but it has improved since 1915.