Changes in quality-of-life following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in adult patients with cholelithiasis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in quality-of-life following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in adults with cholelithiasis.


METHODS
Patients were evaluated with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) preoperatively and 12 months after LC. Outcome predictors were analyzed using correlation and regression statistics.


RESULTS
Ninety-nine patients were enrolled (male/female, 32:67, age 49.8 +/- 13.7 years old). At baseline, patients performed inferiorly to general population in all SF-36 general health dimensions (p < 0.0001). Postoperatively, the "role-physical", "role-emotional", and "bodily pain" dimensions of health significantly improved. There were significant improvements in GIQLI "total", "physical well-being", "mental well-being", "gastrointestinal digestion", and "defecation" subscales scores. Serum direct bilirubin level and drainage tube indwelling were significant predictors for quality-of-life improvement following LC.


CONCLUSIONS
LC can greatly reduce gastrointestinal symptoms to improve quality-of-life for patients with cholelithiasis. Patients with severe baseline conditions may benefit from greater quality-of-life improvement following LC.
Lien
Hen-Hui
HH
Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, 280 Sec.4 Jen-Ai Rd., 106 Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
Chi-Cheng
CC
Wang
Pa-Chun
PC
Huang
Ching-Shui
CS
Chen
Ya-Hui
YH
Lin
Tzung-Li
TL
Tsai
Meng-Chao
MC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult