[Simultaneous cholecystectomy with colon surgery]

Both colorectal pathology and cholecystopathy are common disorders, especially among the elderly. Postoperative cholecystitis was well known to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The presence of gall bladder pathology has also been reported to precipitate acute cholecystitis. In addition, these patients with gall bladder pathology may eventually need a cholecystectomy because of complications. In the above cases, some authors have suggested a simultaneous cholecystectomy at the time of colon surgery. In past 4 years, a series of 28 cases with concomitant cholecystectomy and colectomy were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 11:17, and their age ranged from 41 to 83 years old (mean age 61). The main colonic pathology was adenocarcinoma of colon and rectum (26/28). All gall bladder pathologies were diagnosed preoperatively by abdominal ultrasound, and gall stones were present in 25 of 28 cases. There were no intraoperative complications and no operative mortalities. Our data suggested that a cholecystectomy can be performed safely at the time of colon surgery, if the patient's condition is stable and contamination from colon surgery is minimal.