Risk of Biliary Events After Selective Cholecystectomy During Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Approximately 20 % of adults over 40 years of age in the USA develop cholelithiasis (Topart et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 9(4):526-30, 2013). Despite a higher incidence of biliary complications reported in postbariatric patients, it remains controversial whether simultaneous routine cholecystectomy should be performed during biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch (BPD/DS) or if a selective approach is more appropriate. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence of biliary complications in patients who underwent BPD/DS without simultaneous cholecystectomy.

Retrospective review of all patients who underwent BPD/DS between 2006 and 2012 was performed.

A total of 361 consecutive patients were included in the study with mean age of 44.8 years (range 20-72), mean body weight of 317.2 lbs (range 205-547), and average body mass index (BMI) of 50.5 kg/m(2) (range 34-71.4). Ninety-seven patients were males (26.8 %). Out of 239 patients who still had their gallbladder after the BPD/DS, 52 patients (22.7 %) developed subsequent biliary symptoms (13 patients (5.4 %) in the first year, 25 (11 %) in the second year, and 14 (6.1 %) beyond the second year). During the study period, 40 patients eventually underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 11 had urgent cholecystectomy (9 laparoscopic and 2 open). One patient underwent open common bile duct exploration for ascending cholangitis. Average follow-up was 31 months (12-72 months) with follow-up rate of 95.6 % at 12 months and 92.8 % at 18 months.

Leaving normal gallbladder in situ after BPD/DS is associated with an acceptable risk of biliary events. Risk of developing common bile duct stones is low; however, it may create treatment challenges.