Quality-of-life outcomes with laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have assessed the health outcomes of patients who underwent cholecystectomy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) improvement of patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy.


METHODS
A prospective observational study was performed of consecutive patients on waiting lists to undergo cholecystectomy for nonmalignant disease in six hospitals. Patients were asked to complete two questionnaires that measure (HRQoL)-the SF-36 and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)-before the intervention and 3 months later.


RESULTS
Improvement after surgery, measured by the SF-36 and GIQLI, was similar for both surgical techniques. The SF-health transition item showed a perception of worse health, compared to 1 year previously, for those who underwent open surgery and complications were also higher.


CONCLUSIONS
HRQoL improvement at 3 months was relevant and similar for both surgical techniques, although the health transition perception was worse for those who underwent open surgery.
Unidad de Investigación, Hospital de Galdakao, Barrio Labeaga s/n, 48960 Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain.
J M
JM
Quintana
J
J
Cabriada
I
I
Aróstegui
I
I
López de Tejada
A
A
Bilbao
D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D004064:Digestive System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life