[Results of cholecystectomy realized 10 years ago].
BACKGROUND
The "post cholecystectomy" syndrome comprises a series of vague symptoms referred by patients subjected to this surgical procedure. These symptoms are unspecific and their association with the operation is dubious.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the frequency of digestive symptoms among patients subjected to a cholecystectomy ten years ago.


METHODS
One hundred patients subjected to a cholecystectomy between 1987 and 1990, were contacted by mail. They were invited to a clinical interview and to an abdominal ultrasound examination.


RESULTS
Two invited patients had died of an acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, 98 patients (78 women), aged 30 to 85 years old, were assessed. Seventy two percent had diverse dyspeptic symptoms, 90% had no food intolerance and 94% had gained weight after the operation. Ninety six percent was satisfied with the surgical results, 3% had severe symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux or depression. One patient had a residual choledocholithiasis and refused any treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholecystectomy is well tolerated and has good long term results.
Dpto. de Cirugía, Hospital J.J Aguirre, Santos Dumontt 999, Santiago, Chile. acsendes@machi.med.uchile.cl
A
A
Csendes
P
P
Csendes
J
J
Rojas
M
M
Sánchez
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D042882:Gallstones / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017562:Postcholecystectomy Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain