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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Published on: February 16, 2011
Risk factors for postoperative myocardial infarct following cholecystectomy: a population-based study
Simon Henry Palsson1, Cecilia Engstrom1, Lars Enochsson2
1Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Cholecystectomy increases myocardial infarction risk, especially in men and after open surgery. Delaying elective surgery for 8 weeks after a recent heart attack significantly reduces this risk.
Area of Science:
- Surgical outcomes research
- Cardiovascular event analysis
- Health services research
Background:
- Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is a potential postoperative complication.
- Understanding risk factors for MI after cholecystectomy is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) following cholecystectomy.
- To identify patient and surgical factors associated with increased MI risk.
- To inform clinical guidelines for managing patients undergoing cholecystectomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Swedish Register for Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks) from 2006-2014.
- Cross-linked surgical data with the Swedish Patient Register for MI events.
- Calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for MI within 30 days postoperatively.
Main Results:
- A total of 94,577 cholecystectomies were analyzed.
- The incidence of MI within 30 days was 0.09% (SIR 3.03).
- Risk factors included male sex, open surgery, older age, gallstone complications, high ASA score, and recent preoperative MI (within 8 weeks).
- Mortality for patients experiencing postoperative MI was significantly higher (11.5% vs 0.02%).
Conclusions:
- Delaying elective cholecystectomy for at least 8 weeks after a recent myocardial infarction is recommended.
- This delay strategy can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative MI.
- Open surgery and conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery are independent risk factors.
Background:
The aim was to analyse the risk for myocardial infarction (MI) after cholecystectomy.
Methods:
The study is based on data from the Swedish Register for Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks) 2006-2014. The cohort was cross-linked with the Swedish Patient Register. Standardised incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated by dividing the observed incidence of MI within 30 days after surgery with the expected incidence of the background population.
Results:
Altogether 94,577 procedures were included. MI within 30 days postoperatively (30d-po) were registered in 87 cases (0.09%, SIR for MI 3.03; 95% CI 2.43-3.74). MI occurred more often in men (0.15% vs 0.06%), after open surgery (0.34% vs 0.04%), was age related (age >50 years OR 4.05 > 75 years OR 15.70) and occurred more frequently amongst those with gallstone complications and high ASA score (ASA 1; 0.02%, 2; 0.08%, ≥3; 0,64%). The risk for MI within 30d-po was 52.8% if the patient had suffered an infarct within 8 weeks preoperatively. Laparoscopy converted to open and primarily open surgery were independent risk factors (OR 3.05 vs 2.19). The mortality in the group with 30d-po MI was 11.5% vs 0.02%.
Conclusion:
Delaying elective cholecystectomy for at least 8 weeks after a recent MI reduces the risk for postoperative MI.
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