Managing Gallbladder Polyps: When to Consider Surgery?

Gallbladder polyp issues?

Hello Doctor: During my health check in December 2015 at my company, I was informed that I had a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.78 cm.
A subsequent ultrasound at a general clinic showed it to be 0.9 cm.
In December 2016, my health check indicated that the gallbladder polyps were now 0.91 cm, 0.32 cm, and 0.28 cm.
Suddenly, two additional polyps appeared, and the ultrasound technician informed me that the two smaller ones had irregular shapes, suggesting that I should have regular follow-ups.
I recently gave birth in November 2016 and have been recovering well, so I would like to address the issue of my gallbladder polyps.
I have done some research online and found that surgery is recommended for polyps larger than 1 cm.
However, given that mine is 0.91 cm and is showing a trend of growth, would it also be advisable to consider surgical removal? I am concerned about the possibility of it worsening.

Dian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/19

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gallbladder polyps should be monitored every six months.
If they exceed 1 centimeter in size or if the number of polyps increases, surgical intervention should be considered.

Reply Date: 2017/04/19

More Info

Managing gallbladder polyps is a common concern, especially when there are changes in size or the appearance of new polyps. Based on the information you've provided, it appears that you have been monitoring your gallbladder polyps since 2015, with the largest measuring 0.91 cm. The general guideline for gallbladder polyps is that those larger than 1 cm are typically recommended for surgical removal due to the increased risk of malignancy. However, the management of smaller polyps, especially those that are growing or have irregular shapes, can be more nuanced.

In your case, the fact that you have a polyp measuring 0.91 cm, which is close to the 1 cm threshold, combined with the emergence of two additional smaller polyps, raises valid concerns. The irregular shape of the smaller polyps is also a factor that should not be overlooked. Irregularly shaped polyps can have a higher risk of being neoplastic (potentially cancerous) compared to those that are more regular in shape.
The recommendation for managing gallbladder polyps often includes regular monitoring through ultrasound, especially if the polyps are less than 1 cm. However, since your largest polyp is nearing that size and you have new polyps, it may be prudent to consider surgical options sooner rather than later. Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common procedure and is generally safe, especially in healthy individuals.
In addition to size and shape, other factors that may influence the decision to proceed with surgery include your age, overall health, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you are asymptomatic, some doctors may recommend continued monitoring, but given your concerns and the changes in your polyps, discussing surgical options with your healthcare provider could be beneficial.

It's also worth noting that gallbladder polyps are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. If you have a family history of gallbladder disease or cancer, this may also influence the decision-making process.
In conclusion, while the standard recommendation is to consider surgery for polyps larger than 1 cm, the presence of growth, irregular shapes, and your personal health history should all be taken into account. It would be wise to have a detailed discussion with your gastroenterologist or a surgeon specializing in gallbladder surgery to weigh the risks and benefits of surgery versus continued monitoring in your specific case. They can provide personalized advice based on the latest guidelines and your individual health status.

Similar Q&A

Managing Gallbladder Polyps: Prevention and Surgical Options

My mother recently had a test that showed a 0.4 cm polyp in her gallbladder. The doctor said it doesn't need to be removed yet. What methods can be used to inhibit its growth? If it gets larger, will the polyp be removed, or will the entire gallbladder need to be removed? My...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Follow-up every six months; gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm require management, even if asymptomatic.

Best Herbal Remedies for Gallbladder Polyps: A Guide

If you have gallbladder polyps, which herbal medicine is recommended for treatment?

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gallbladder polyps are generally assessed based on their size. If they are larger than 1 centimeter, cholecystectomy is required. If they are smaller than 1 centimeter, follow-up should be done every six months, and medication is unlikely to be effective. Wishing you safet...

Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Are They Cancerous? What to Do Next?

The doctor said that my mother has a nodule on her gallbladder that needs to be monitored. The pathologist had a very serious expression, and my mother is very scared, to the point that she can't sleep. What should my mother do next? We don't even know which department ...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The term "bile duct nodule" is not commonly used. The most common diseases of the gallbladder are gallstones and gallbladder polyps. The management of gallstones depends on the presence of symptoms; if symptomatic, emergency surgery is indicated. For gallbladder ...

Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery

I would like to ask the doctor about gallbladder polyp removal. 1. For a 1 cm polyp, is it recommended to remove the entire gallbladder? 2. What are the significant impacts on the body if the entire gallbladder is removed? 3. Is the surgical risk high? Is it considered a major su...

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm have a higher chance of becoming tumors, and it is generally recommended to surgically remove the entire gallbladder. 2. After gallbladder removal, bile will still be secreted by the liver; however, without the gallbladder t...