Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients With History of Gastrectomy

Patients with previous gastrectomy have an increased incidence of gallstones and gallbladder morbidity requiring surgery. We investigated the possible risk factors that contribute to severe gallbladder disease in patients with previous gastrectomy and the role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the treatment of these patients.

In this retrospective study, we reviewed a database of patients who underwent LC in our hospital during the period January 1, 2010, through May 1, 2015.

The average operation time in patients with previous gastrectomy was longer (P < .05), but the operation times of patients with a long interval (>5 years) between gastrectomy and LC showed no statistical difference from those of patients without a history of gastrectomy (P > .05). The conversion rate did not differ between the 2 groups (P > .05), but in patients with previous gastrectomy, the conversion rate was significantly reduced after we adopted a comprehensive preoperative evaluation procedure (P < .05). The frequency of cholecystitis attacks, rate of combination with gallbladder polyps, and rate of combination with pancreatitis were higher and gallstone formation time shorter, in the patients with malignant tumor, those undergoing Billroth II gastroenterostomy or esophagojejunostomy, and those with accompanying diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia (P < .05).

LC plays an important role in the treatment of benign gallbladder diseases in patients with a history of gastrectomy, and a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and accomplished surgical technique are necessary for successful outcomes. Previously identified clinical features may represent a risk factor for severe cholecystic morbidity in these patients.