The role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic gall stone disease. This study is aimed at assessing the effect of the operation on patients' symptoms. 175 unselected consecutive patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June 2007 and June 2008 were recruited into the study. A standard questionnaire examined pain and other dyspeptic symptoms. Histories of psychiatric disturbances and gastroscopy were also evaluated. Bloating, glubus sensation and regurgitation were not cured by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The cure rates for vomiting and non typical pain were in excess of 70%. Our study confirms that some symptoms are not alleviated by the operation. Furthermore, surgeons should be aware that the sub-group of patients whose preoperative symptoms include bloating, regurgitation and glubus sensation and who have required psychotrophic drugs may in fact have 'silent gall stones' and irritable bowel syndrome. Such patients are unlikely to benefit from laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Key words: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bloating, glubus sensation, regurgitation, gastroscopy.