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Epidemiology of cholecystectomy and irritable bowel syndrome in a UK population
1Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, 5 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6SP, UK.
Insights
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to undergo cholecystectomy. This study investigated the prevalence of IBS and cholecystectomy in Teesside, finding a significant association between the two conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosis can be challenging.
- Unnecessary cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is a concern for some IBS patients.
- Understanding the prevalence of IBS and cholecystectomy is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cholecystectomy and IBS in a British adult population in Teesside.
- To explore associations between IBS and cholecystectomy.
- To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status and consultation behavior on these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was administered to 4432 adults aged 20-69.
- Participants were registered with six general practices in Teesside.
- Socioeconomic status was assessed using the Standard Occupational Classification.
Main Results:
- Cholecystectomy prevalence was 4.1% in women and 1.3% in men.
- IBS prevalence was 22.9% in women and 10.5% in men.
- Cholecystectomy was significantly more common in patients with IBS (OR 1.9, P < 0.01), independent of socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
- The association between IBS and cholecystectomy suggests potential diagnostic confusion or shared underlying factors.
- IBS symptoms may lead to unnecessary gallbladder surgery.
- Cholecystectomy itself might induce IBS-like symptoms, or a single disorder could affect both gastrointestinal and biliary systems.
Background:
Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may undergo unnecessary cholecystectomy. This paper describes the prevalence of cholecystectomy and IBS in a sample of British adults in Teesside. Associations between the two conditions and their relationship to consultation behaviour and socioeconomic status are described. The results are compared with those from Bristol in an attempt to determine the influence of service-related factors on the prevalence of cholecystectomy.
Methods:
A postal questionnaire was sent to 4432 adults aged 20-69 years registered with six general practices. The Standard Occupational Classification was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status.
Results:
In Teesside cholecystectomy was reported by 4.1 per cent of women and 1.3 per cent of men. Some 22.9 per cent of the women had IBS, and 10.5 per cent of men. Cholecystectomy was more common in patients with IBS (odds ratio 1.9 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.2-3.2); P < 0.01). The prevalence of cholecystectomy, of IBS and of consultation for symptoms of IBS was not influenced by socioeconomic status.
Conclusion:
Symptoms of IBS may cause diagnostic confusion and unproductive surgery. Cholecystectomy may cause IBS-like symptoms, a single underlying disorder may produce symptoms in both gastrointestinal and biliary tracts, or the associations might be due to a combination of these factors.