The Relation Between Carcinoma of the Gallbladder and an Anomalous Connection Between the Choledochus and the Pancreatic Duct

An anomalous connection between the choledochus and the pancreatic duct may be associated etiologically or pathogenetically with congenital biliary dilation and carcinoma of the dilated bile duct. During the past 10 years, a total of 14 cases of carcinoma of the gallbladder with an anomalous connection between the choledochus and the pancreatic duct were encountered. These cases were studied in reference to their clinical features and histological findings. An experimental model of pancreatic juice inflow into the gallbladder of mongrel dogs was produced and the histological changes of the mucosa of that organ was observed. The intent was to elucidate the relationship between carcinoma of the gallbladder and this anomaly. The results of this clinical and experimental study suggest that reflux and stasis of pancreatic juice in the gallbladder induce chronic cholecystitis with intestinal metaplasia. This may be important in the pathogenesis of well-differentiated carcinoma of the gallbladder.