Uncomplicated gallbladder mucoceles – is it better for prognosis to perform cholecystectomy or medically manage?

PICO questionIn dogs with an uncomplicated gallbladder mucocele, is the long-term survival when surgically managed superior, inferior, or equal to those medically managed? Clinical bottom lineCategory of research questionTreatment and prognosisThe number and type of study designs reviewedThree papers were critically reviewed. All of the studies were retrospective analyses of medical records, two of which were cohort studies, and one which was a case control studyStrength of evidenceWeakOutcomes reportedThere is some evidence that surgical management of gallbladder mucoceles is associated with longer survival times than medically managed cases, although there is no direct analysis of uncomplicated vs complicated casesConclusionWe cannot clearly make a conclusion based on the available evidence. To date, there is only one retrospective analysis that directly compares the long-term survival of cases medically vs surgically managed, but this study does not separate uncomplicated vs complicated cases of gallbladder mucocele. In order to more accurately determine which type of treatment should be recommended for uncomplicated cases of gallbladder mucoceles, a prospective study comparing long-term survival with each treatment should be performed. These studies should also standardise medical management in order to more accurately compare survival time to surgical treatment How to apply this evidence in practiceThe application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.