Journal of Surgery

Changes in the Occurrence of Abdominal Complaints in Surgically Treated Patients due to Cholecystolithiasis

Abstract

Sedlak B, Zaniewski M, Lorenc Z, Krawczyk W, Kowalska M, Graca US and Polasik JK

Introduction: The post cholecystectomy syndrome is defined as the maintenance or the occurrence of digestive tract symptoms after cholecystectomy due to extra hepatic biliary duct disorders. The introduction of a laparoscopic approach has revolutionized the procedure in the treatment of cholecystolithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive for patients as compared to the classic surgical procedure.

Aim: Determination of the frequency and the intensity of abdominal symptoms occurring after laparoscopic surgery and classic cholecystectomy related to the post cholecystectomy syndrome. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 105 patients of the Clinical Department of Surgery of the Regional Specialist Hospital in Tychy, Poland. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent laparoscopic (n=83) or classic (n=22) cholecystectomy. The assessments were performed preoperatively, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively, using the “Gastric Symptom Questionnaire”.

Results: The results were compared using statistical methods. Results: The symptoms of the syndrome were observed in 32 (30.5%) patients from the study group. Symptoms related to the post cholecystectomy syndrome included abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, movement difficulties, loss of appetite or diarrhea. These symptoms occurred more frequently after classic cholecystectomy as compared to the laparoscopic approach, 1 month and 6 months after cholecystectomy.

Conclusions: The post cholecystectomy syndrome may occur in 1/3 of patients after cholecystectomy. The symptoms occur less frequently in laparoscopically treated patients. In a large number of patients the syndrome may be related to the treatment method.