Our Summary

This study was conducted to understand whether a certain type of surgery, called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is helpful for patients experiencing stomach pain and a specific gallbladder issue (biliary disease), even when a particular measure of gallbladder function (ejection fraction) is normal.

The researchers looked back at the medical records of patients with stomach pain and biliary disease, who had normal ejection fraction and underwent this surgery between 2017 and 2022. In total, 117 patients were included, mostly women and with an average age of about 45 years. Most of these patients had an ultrasound scan of their upper abdomen, and all had a particular type of scan (HIDA) which showed normal gallbladder function.

After the surgery, most of the patients reported that their symptoms were gone. The researchers found no clear link between the pain experienced during the HIDA scan or the ejection fraction measure and the resolution of symptoms after the surgery.

In simple terms, the study concluded that this type of surgery appears to be useful for patients with stomach pain and biliary disease, even when their gallbladder function seems normal. Offering this surgery early might save these patients from having to undergo many tests and potentially being misdiagnosed.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy and who is it for?
  2. What is the relationship between the HIDA scan, ejection fraction measure, and the patient’s symptoms after the surgery?
  3. Why might offering laparoscopic cholecystectomy early be beneficial for patients with stomach pain and biliary disease?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic cholecystectomy is that it can be an effective treatment for stomach pain and biliary disease, even if gallbladder function appears normal. It may be worth considering this surgery early on to alleviate symptoms and avoid unnecessary tests or misdiagnosis.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those experiencing stomach pain and biliary disease, even when their ejection fraction is normal. This surgery may be beneficial for patients who have not found relief from their symptoms through other treatments and tests. It may help in resolving symptoms and prevent potential misdiagnosis.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient experiences stomach pain and is diagnosed with biliary disease
  • Patient undergoes ultrasound scan of upper abdomen and HIDA scan to assess gallbladder function
  • Ejection fraction measure is found to be normal
  • Patient continues to experience symptoms despite normal gallbladder function

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery
  • Most patients report resolution of symptoms after surgery
  • No clear link found between pain during HIDA scan or ejection fraction measure and resolution of symptoms
  • Study concludes that surgery is beneficial for patients with stomach pain and biliary disease, even with normal gallbladder function

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic cholecystectomy include:

  1. What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy and how is it performed?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or make lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. How likely is it that my symptoms will improve or resolve after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for my condition?
  7. How many laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Do I need to undergo any specific tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  9. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and for how long?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sharrak A, Aubrey J, Hua T, Wang S, Zambito G, Banks-Venegoni A. Journal: Am J Surg. 2024 Apr;230:39-42. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.11.035. Epub 2023 Dec 1. PMID: 38052669