Gallbladder grossing

Schematic of a gallbladder. (WC/Madhero88)

This article covers gallbladder grossing, also cholecystectomy specimens.

Introduction

These specimens are very common and could be classified as a ditzel.

Cholecystectomies are usually done for:

• Chronic cholecystitis (increasingly common due to prevalence of obesity).

Less common indications are:

• Acute cholecystitis.
• Gallstones - as it may cause gallstone pancreatitis.
• Mirizzi syndrome.

Specimen opening

These are not routinely opened before cut-up.

Protocol

• Specimen: Gallbladder.
• Received: [intact/opened/open with defect measuring ___ cm].

Dimensions:

• External dimensions: ___ cm length, ___ cm diameter.
• Wall thickness (maximal): ___ cm.

Appearance:

• Serosal surface: [tan and smooth/rough].
• Lumen contains: [thick green bile/multiple [yellow/green/black] calculi].
• Mucosa: [dark green and velvety/granular, hemorrhagic/strawberry-like].
• Polyp/tumour: [not identified/___ cm in maximal dimension].
• Wall: [pliable/firm].
• Neck: [pliable/firm].
• Cystic duct: [patent/not patent].
• Cystic duct lymph node: [not identified/present, measuring ___ cm in greatest dimension].

Secctions:

• Representive sections of the neck, body and fundus, including the cystic duct lymph node, are submitted in one cassette.