Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital has successfully performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove a rare gallbladder tumor in patient N.V.C. (born in 1959, Xuan Que commune, Dong Nai province).

The patient was admitted with persistent epigastric pain, poor appetite, and general fatigue. Upon admission, physicians conducted a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms.

Diagnostic investigations revealed:

  • Abdominal ultrasound: Detected a gallbladder mass, with malignancy unable to be ruled out.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: Demonstrated marked focal thickening of the gallbladder wall.

Given these abnormal findings, the patient was referred to the Department of General Surgery for further assessment. Following multidisciplinary consultation, the medical team diagnosed a rare gallbladder tumor and recommended laparoscopic surgical removal.

The procedure lasted approximately 60 minutes. During surgery, the team identified a papillary intraluminal tumor measuring approximately 0.5 cm within the gallbladder. Utilizing advanced laparoscopic techniques, the surgeons successfully removed the entire gallbladder and tumor en bloc while minimizing surgical trauma, an important consideration for an older patient.

Following surgery, the specimen was sent for a histopathological examination. Results confirmed that the tumor was benign, effectively ruling out gallbladder cancer and providing a favorable prognosis for the patient.

According to Dr. Hoang Thanh Ngan, MSc, the lead surgeon who performed the procedure: “Gallbladder tumors are relatively uncommon, accounting for only approximately 0.3%–0.5% of biliary tract diseases. Because their symptoms are often nonspecific and can mimic common gastrointestinal disorders, diagnosis is frequently delayed.”

Dr. Ngan further noted that although many gallbladder tumors are benign, timely monitoring and treatment remain important, as some lesions may progress and lead to more complex clinical conditions if left untreated.

Healthcare professionals recommend that individuals maintain regular health check-ups, particularly routine abdominal ultrasound examinations, to facilitate early detection of gallbladder abnormalities. Anyone experiencing persistent epigastric pain, bloating, or unexplained indigestion should seek evaluation at a reputable healthcare facility for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management rather than self-medicating at home.

The patient has recovered well following surgery, his condition is stable, and he has since been discharged from the hospital.