Surgery A survey of patients' perceptions and experiences of intervention for gallstone disease during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Gallstones intervention during pregnancy might be a stressful event for both mother and fetus and stress might affect outcome. The aim of this study was to identify factors that might improve the care of pregnant patients in need of intervention for gallstone disease. METHODS: By crossmatching the Swedish Registry of Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks) and the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, we identified patients with gallstone intervention during pregnancy. A questionnaire covering patient experience before, during and after surgery and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were distributed. RESULTS: In total, 275 patients subjected to cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or both were identified, and 146 (54%) patients responded. Surgery was in median performed in pregnancy week 16 (12–20), and 62 (42%) patients had symptoms of gallstone disease before pregnancy, with 17 of these patients scheduled for surgery before pregnancy. Thirty-four (24%) patients felt that the information regarding the upcoming surgery was inadequate, with differences comparing patients with overall favorable versus overall non-favorable experiences (103 (89%) vs. 8 (27%) p < 0.001) and similar differences regarding information on disease/symptoms (95 (84%) vs. 12 (43%), p < 0.001). A majority (57%) were very worried about their expected child, and 51% thought that no measures were taken to relieve their worries. Recurring as suggested improvements was more information about the disease and the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Intervention due to gallstone disease during pregnancy is a stressful event that impacts many patients negatively, both before and after surgery. Patient education might positively affect patient experience.