Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and hyperbilirubinemia after esophagectomy

A high incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and an increased incidence of gallbladder disorders after esophagectomy have been reported. Moreover, several studies have documented an increased incidence of gallbladder disease in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition. We studied the incidence of cholecystitis and cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia associated with total parenteral nutrition after esophagectomy.

We retrospectively studied 42 patients who underwent esophagectomy. These patients were divided into 2 groups: the hyperbilirubinemia group and the non-hyperbilirubinemia group. The incidence of cholecystitis or cholestasis after the surgery was compared between the 2 groups.

The mean total serum bilirubin level of the hyperbilirubinemia group (2.40±0.35mg/dL) was significantly higher than that of the non-hyperbilirubinemia group (1.20±0.34mg/dL; p<0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups with respect to the mean duration for which total parenteral nutrition was required around the time of the operation (i.e. pre- and postoperatively) and the incidence rate of cholecystitis or cholestasis after esophagectomy.

Hyperbilirubinemia after esophagectomy was frequently observed; however, it may not contribute to gallbladder problems. We suggest that parenteral modalities such as tube feeding should be initiated soon after surgery to prevent gallbladder problems after esophagectomy.