Ultrasound abdomen – gallbladder polyps

Gallbladder polyps

  • Refer for consideration of surgery
    • Symptomatic
    • Polyp size ≥ 10mm (risk of malignancy)
    • Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis/IBD (risk of malignancy even if small)
  • Ultrasound surveillance
    • Asian/South American ethnicity
    • Age ≥ 50 years
    • Co-existing gallstones
    • Polyp size ≥ 5mm
  • No role for surveillance
    • iI none of the above apply (although a single follow-up ultrasound at 2 years may be used for reassurance)
  • NB:
    • Ultrasound surveillance – advised at 6 months then 2 yearly – discharge after 5 years if no significant growth (2mm increase in size)

Reference