Selective Rather Than Routine Histopathological Examination Following Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy

The removed appendix will be evaluated for tumours by the operating surgeon by visual inspection and digital palpation of the specimen. The appendix will not be opened. The surgeon will report his or her findings on a predefined scoring form: he or she will report all abnormalities and writes down whether he or she considers there is an indication for histopathological examination. Subsequently, all specimens will be sent for histopathological examination. Histopathological examination will be conducted according to the local protocol. In case of a neoplasm of the appendix, the treatment strategy is discussed and decided by the local multidisciplinary team. If an additional more extensive resection is decided to be appropriate, the specimens of the re-resection will be evaluated for the presence of remaining tumour tissue.

The removed gallbladder will be evaluated for tumours by the operating surgeon by visual inspection and digital palpation of the specimen. The gallbladder is opened in its length, without cutting the cystic duct, and is inspected and palpated. The surgeon will report his or her findings on a predefined scoring form: he or she will report all abnormalities and writes down whether he or she considers there is an indication for histopathological examination. Subsequently, all specimens will be sent for histopathological examination. Histopathological examination will be conducted according to the local protocol. In case of a neoplasm of the gallbladder, the treatment strategy is discussed and decided by the local multidisciplinary team. If an additional more extensive resection is decided to be appropriate, the specimens of the re-resection will be evaluated for the presence of remaining tumour tissue.