Functional gallbladder disorder: Interim analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Functional gallbladder disorder (FGBD) presents a controversial indication for cholecystectomy.
• Rome criteria are used for strict diagnosis of FGBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cholecystectomy in patients with strictly diagnosed FGBD.
• To assess postoperative pain and quality of life improvements.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study design.
• Patients meeting Rome criteria for FGBD underwent cholecystectomy.
• Postoperative assessment using RAPID and SF-12 surveys at 3 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Of 31 evaluable patients, 83.9% reported improved abdominal pain (RAPID survey).
• 93.3% reported improved quality of life (SF-12 survey).
• Neither ejection fraction nor pain reproduction predicted surgical success.

Conclusions:

• Strictly diagnosed FGBD may be a valid indication for cholecystectomy.
• Success rates for FGBD cholecystectomy are comparable to symptomatic cholelithiasis.
• Further large-scale studies or randomized trials are warranted to confirm findings.