Evaluation of associated upper gastrointestinal pathology prior to elective cholecystectomy

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 135; no. 5; pp. 620 - 621
• Main Authors: Choctaw, William T., Pollak, Erich W., Wolfman, Earl F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.1978
• Subjects: Cholecystectomy; Diverticulum - complications; Duodenal Diseases - complications; Gallbladder Diseases - complications; Gallbladder Diseases - diagnosis; Gastrointestinal Diseases - complications; Gastrointestinal Diseases - diagnosis; Hernia, Hiatal - complications; Humans; Peptic Ulcer - complications
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9610(78)90120-4

The prevalence of associated upper gastrointestinal pathology in patients with symptoms suggestive of chronic cholecystitis was reviewed to determine whether routine preoperative gastrointestinal evaluation is justified. Findings in 267 patients, including 222 with proven gallbladder disease (group A) and 45 with no evidence of gallbladder disease (group B), showed that 125 (56 per cent) of the group A patients had associated upper gastrointestinal abnormalities (p < 0.05). Seventeen of these 222 patients (8 per cent) required operative treatment for the associated lesion at the time of cholecystectomy. In another 4 per cent, the gastrointestinal lesion was treated nonoperatively, and cholecystectomy was not required. Eighteen patients (40 per cent) in group B had upper gastrointestinal abnormalities (p < 0.05). These results justify the recommendation of routine preoperative gastrointestinal evaluation prior to elective cholecystectomy.