[Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the quality of life of patients with uncomplicated socially disabling gallstone disease].
BACKGROUND
The indication for cholecystectomy in symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstone disease varies in the literature, and there is no international consensus. In Denmark, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with uncomplicated cholecystolithiasis and socially disabling pain. Postoperative health-related quality of life on this indication is unknown.


METHODS
A prospective consecutive study was conducted. Patients with uncomplicated cholecystolithiasis and socially disabling pain were included and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the department of day surgery. All patients had uncomplicated gallstone disease. An internationally validated questionnaire, the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), was completed one week before and six weeks after the operation. The questionnaire comprises 32 questions covering five items related to gastrointestinal disease, and each question is rated on a scale of 0 to 4 points. The maximum GIQLI score (GIQLI total) is 128 points (32 x 4 points) and represents the best possible health-related quality of life.


RESULTS
75 consecutive patients (62 women) underwent uneventful operations. All patients returned the pre- and postoperative questionnaire. The median age was 42 years (range 18-69), the median body mass index was 26 (19-39) and the median operation time was 56 minutes (24-130). The median GIQLI total scores were 99 (33-127) and 112 (82-128) before and after operation, respectively (P < 0.001). Scores on all five sub-items were significantly improved as well.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy improves the health-related quality of life six weeks after the operation in patients with socially disabling, uncomplicated cholecystolithiasis.
Eriksen
Jens Ravn
JR
Amtssygehuset i Glostrup, Kirurgisk Gastroenterologisk Afdeling D. jravn@dadlnet.dk
Kristiansen
Viggo B
VB
Hjortsø
Niels-Christian
NC
Rosenberg
Jacob
J
Bisgaard
Thue
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D041761:Cholecystolithiasis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires