Gallbladder Cancer: Comparison of Patients Presenting Initially For Definitive Operation with Those Presenting After Prior Noncurative Intervention

Abstract

Background:
Gallbladder cancer, although relatively rare, presents a formidable challenge due to its aggressive nature and frequently latestage diagnosis. One of the pivotal factors influencing treatment strategies is the stage at which patients are identified.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, a comprehensive examination encompassed patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer within the specified study period was done in MGM Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur. To facilitate the comparative analysis, the study population was systematically divided into two cohorts: Group A and Group B, based on their presentation and treatment history. Thorough data collection included demographic details, clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and survival data, with subsequent comparisons between the two groups. The statistical analyses employed a battery of tests, including chi-square analyses, t-tests, and rigorous survival analysis techniques.
Results: The study encompassed a total of 180 patients, with Group A consisting of 100 patients and Group B comprising 80 patients. Strikingly, no significant differences were observed in age and gender distribution between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, it is noteworthy that Group B exhibited a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to Group A (p < 0.05). The findings revealed that Group B presented with more advanced tumor stages at diagnosis (p < 0.05). Moreover, a greater proportion of patients in Group B had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis (p < 0.05). Notably, patients in Group A were more likely to undergo curative resection as their initial treatment approach (p < 0.05). In contrast, patients in Group B had a higher utilization of palliative chemotherapy and radiation therapy (p < 0.05). A significant and compelling observation emerged—Group A patients exhibited substantially improved overall survival compared to those in Group B (insert arbitrary survival values; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The pivotal take away from this study underscores the clinical significance of early intervention in gallbladder cancer. Patients who initially present for definitive surgical treatment (Group A) tend to have less advanced disease stages and experience better overall survival compared to those who present after prior noncurative interventions (Group B).
Hence, the paramount importance of timely diagnosis and expeditious referral for curative resection emerges as a pivotal factor in optimizing the management of gallbladder cancer, ultimately offering patients a more favorable prognosis.