Fate of Dyspeptic or Colonic Symptoms After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gallbladder diseases can give rise to dyspeptic or colonic symptoms in addition to biliary pain. Although most biliary pain shows improvement after cholecystectomy, the fates of dyspeptic or colonic symptoms still remain controversial. This study assessed whether nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms improved after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and identified the characteristics of patients who experienced continuing or exacerbated symptoms following surgery. METHODS: Sixty-five patients who underwent LC for uncomplicated gallbladder stones or gallbladder polyps were enrolled. The patients were surveyed on their dyspeptic or colonic symptoms before surgery and again at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Patients' mental sanity was also assessed using a psychological symptom score with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-four (67.7%) patients showed one or more dyspeptic or colonic symptoms before surgery. Among these, 31 (47.7%) and 36 (55.4%) patients showed improvement at 3 and 6 months after surgery, respectively. However, 18.5% of patients showed continuing or exacerbated symptoms at 6 months after surgery. These patients did not differ with respect to gallstone or gallbladder polyps, but differed in frequency of gastritis. These patients reported lower postoperative satisfaction. Patients with abdominal symptoms showed higher psychological symptom scores than others. However, poor mental sanity was not related to the symptom exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: Elective LC improves dyspeptic or colonic symptoms. Approximately 19% of patients reported continuing or exacerbated symptoms following LC. Detailed history-taking regarding gastritis before surgery can be helpful in predicting patients’ outcome after LC.