Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on gastric emptying and dyspepsia

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. Nonresolution of dyspepsia postoperatively is of major concern nowadays. The present study was conducted to study the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on gastric emptying in symptomatic gallstone disease using (99m)Tc sulfur colloid scintigraphy. This pilot study sought to obtain preliminary data and to establish a base for further detailed study.

A total of 25 patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic gallstone disease scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All patients underwent gastric scintigraphic emptying study preoperatively and 2 weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done as a day care procedure.

Mean ± standard deviation preoperative gastric percentage clearance was 51.36 ± 12.67%. Preoperative gastric emptying half-time was 62.72 ± 21.59 min. Forty percent of patients experienced dyspeptic symptoms before surgery. Twenty-four percent of patients had dyspeptic symptoms during postoperative follow-up at 2 weeks. Postoperative percentage gastric clearance was 49.92 ± 13.17%. Postoperative gastric emptying half-time was 64.12 ± 19.13 min. Statistical analysis revealed no significant effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on gastric emptying parameters.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not alter gastric emptying or stomach percentage clearance in gallstone patients who have preoperative delayed gastric emptying on scintigraphy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has no effect on gastric emptying in symptomatic gallstone patients.