Recurrent gallbladder carcinoma along laparoscopic cholecystectomy port tracks: CT demonstration

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of recurrent gallbladder carcinoma along port tracks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to assess the effect of recurrence on patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen abdominal CT scans in 16 of 19 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for gallbladder carcinoma diagnos ed at laparoscopic cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Medical r ecords were reviewed to determine the clinical effect of tumor recurrence a long a port track. RESULTS: CT revealed 12 tumor recurrences along laparoscopic port tracks in six (32%) patients (mean, two recurrences per patient; range, one to four per patient). Eight (67%) CT-depicted recurrences appeared homogeneous, and nine (75%) involved subjacent omental fat. The mass was the only site of r ecurrence at CT in two (33%) patients. The presence of an abdominal wall tu mor recurrence affected patient care in four (67%) of six patients. Histopa thologic examination results confirmed recurrent tumor in all five (100%) p atients who underwent biopsy. CONCLUSION: Tumor recurrence along port tracks is a potential complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy when gallbladder carcinoma is present, even after subsequent hepatic resection is performed for attempted cure. Recurr ences appear; as a new or enlarging abdominal wall mass, often involving su bjacent omental fat, and may be the only site of recurrent disease at CT. D emonstration of abdominal wall tumor recurrence affects patient care.