Clinical status of patients subjected to cholecystectomy ten years ago

Background: The "post cholecystectomy'' syndrome comprises a series of vagu e symptoms referred by patients subjected to this surgical procedure. These symptoms are unspecific and their association with the operation is dubiou s. Aim: To assess the frequency of digestive symptoms among patients subjec ted to a cholecystectomy ten years ago Patients and methods: One hundred pa tients subjected to a cholecystectomy between 1987 and 1990, were contacted by mail. They were invited to a clinical interview and to an abdominal ult rasound examination. Results: Two invited patients had died of an acute myo cardial infarction. Therefore, 98 patients (78 women), aged 30 to 85 years old, were assessed. Seventy two percent had diverse dyspeptic symptoms, 90% had no food intolerance and 94% had gained weight after the operation. Nin ety six percent was satisfied with the surgical results, 3% had severe symp toms due to gastroesophageal reflux or depression. One patient had a residu al choledocholithiasis and refused any treatment. Conclusion: Cholecystecto my is well tolerated and has good long term results (Rev Med Chile 2000; 12 8; 1390-12).