Computerised evaluation of the electrocardiogram during and for a short period after gall bladder surgery

Long-term ECG recording on tape (LTER) was performed in 32 consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Twenty-two of the patients recorded showed ST-segment changes during the per- and early post-operative period. ST-segment depression was the most common change seen in 17 patients; however, 12 patients showed ST-segment elevation. In only nine patients were the ST-segment changes seen to be associated with major changes in pulse or blood pressure. ST-segment changes were seen as frequently in patients with, as without, known cardiovascular disease. All patients had an uncomplicated postoperative course and no case of myocardial infarction was seen. ST-segment changes during elective surgery seem to be a common phenomenon. The etiology of the observed changes is not clear and its value in the detection of per- or postoperative myocardial ischemia needs to be further evaluated.