Ann Surg Treat Res.  2018 Sep;95(3):135-140. 10.4174/astr.2018.95.3.135.

Postcholecystectomy syndrome: symptom clusters after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

• Kim H
• Han IW
• Heo JS
• Oh MG
• Lim CY
• Choi YS
• Lee SE

• KMID: 2419443
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/astr.2018.95.3.135

Abstract

PURPOSE
Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is characterized by abdominal symptoms following gallbladder removal. However, there is no consensus for the definition or treatment for PCS. The purpose of this study was to define PCS among various symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and to identify risk factors affecting PCS.
METHODS
This study was conducted at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital and Chung-Ang University Hospital (2012-2013). Outcomes were assessed using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Symptom cluster for determining PCS was made by factor analysis. Cluster analysis evaluating risk factors of PCS was made by Ward methods and Dentogram.
RESULTS
Factor analysis revealed three distinct symptom clusters, those are "˜insomnia and financial difficulties (eigenvalue, 1.707; Cronbach α, 0.190),'"˜appetite loss and constipation (eigenvalue, 1.413; Cronbach α, 0.480),' and "˜right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and diarrhea (eigenvalue, 1.245; Cronbach α, 0.315).' Among these symptom clusters, the cluster of "˜RUQ pain and diarrhea' was determined as PCS. However, we could not find any risk factors between high symptomatic group and low symptomatic group.
CONCLUSION
PCS could consist of RUQ pain and diarrhea. Well-designed prospective trials are needed to determine risk factors of PCS.

Keyword

Cholecystectomy; Postcholecystectomy syndrome; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic*
Consensus
Constipation
Diarrhea
Gallbladder
Postcholecystectomy Syndrome*
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Risk Factors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 To determine whether distinct subgroups of patients experiencing differing levels of symptoms burden might be having PCS, we modeled our cluster analysis on Ward methods and Dentogram. After cluster analysis, two patient subgroups, the high and low symptomatic group for PCS, were identified. PCS, postcholecystectomy syndrome.

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