Trait Anxiety Predicts Outcome 6 Weeks After Cholecystectomy. A Prospective Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND: A substantial group of patients with gallstone disease experience negative outcome after surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Early identification of these patients is important. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to identify predictors (clinical symptoms and trait anxiety) of negative symptomatic outcomes at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 133), 18–65 years, with symptomatic gallstone disease, completed symptom checklists and the state-trait anxiety inventory preoperatively and at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. RESULTS: High trait anxiety was the only predictor of persistence of biliary symptoms at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy (OR = 6.88). CONCLUSION: In addition to clinical symptoms, high trait anxiety is a predictor of negative symptomatic outcome at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. Trait anxiety should be evaluated to aim at a patient-tailored approach in gallstone disease.