Open Access 01-09-2017 | Gastrointestinal
Management and follow-up of gallbladder polyps
Joint guidelines between the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques (EAES), International Society of Digestive Surgery – European Federation (EFISDS) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE)
Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2017
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Objectives
The management of incidentally detected gallbladder polyps on radiological examinations is contentious. The incidental radiological finding of a gallbladder polyp can therefore be problematic for the radiologist and the clinician who referred the patient for the radiological examination. To address this a joint guideline was created by the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques (EAES), International Society of Digestive Surgery – European Federation (EFISDS) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).
Methods
A targeted literature search was performed and consensus guidelines were created using a series of Delphi questionnaires and a seven-point Likert scale.
Results
A total of three Delphi rounds were performed. Consensus regarding which patients should have cholecystectomy, which patients should have ultrasound follow-up and the nature and duration of that follow-up was established. The full recommendations as well as a summary algorithm are provided.
Conclusions
These expert consensus recommendations can be used as guidance when a gallbladder polyp is encountered in clinical practice.
Key Points
• Management of gallbladder polyps is contentious
• Cholecystectomy is recommended for gallbladder polyps >10 mm
• Management of polyps <10 mm depends on patient and polyp characteristics
• Further research is required to determine optimal management of gallbladder polyps