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The alkaline shift in gastric pH after cholecystectomy
T H Brown1, G Walton, W G Cheadle
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40292.
American Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Cholecystectomy, the removal of the gallbladder, alters gastric pH, leading to more alkaline conditions. This shift is more pronounced in patients experiencing post-cholecystectomy symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Duodenogastric reflux is known to increase post-cholecystectomy.
- Altered bile salt composition may influence gastric environment post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cholecystectomy on 24-hour gastric pH profiles.
- To correlate gastric pH changes with post-cholecystectomy symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Continuous 24-hour gastric pH monitoring was performed.
- Subjects included healthy individuals, patients with gallstones (cholelithiasis), and post-cholecystectomy patients.
Main Results:
- Cholecystectomy led to a decrease in time gastric pH remained below 2.
- Gastric pH elevation above 4 and 6 was increased post-cholecystectomy.
- Symptomatic post-cholecystectomy patients exhibited a greater alkaline shift in gastric pH.
Conclusions:
- Cholecystectomy is associated with a significant alkaline shift in the 24-hour gastric pH.
- Increased gastric alkaline episodes correlate with post-cholecystectomy symptoms, suggesting a potential etiological link.