Is Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Necessary Before Cholecystectomy?

Research Article

Özet

Introduction: Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures for the treatment of gallbladder diseases. However, the persistence of symptoms or the emergence of new gastrointestinal complaints in some patients post-cholecystectomy remains a notable concern. The literature indicates an increased incidence of alkaline reflux gastritis in the long term following cholecystectomy. Nevertheless, the preoperative status of the gastric mucosa and the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in these patients have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to evaluate preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) findings in patients undergoing cholecystectomy to determine the prevalence of chronic gastritis and H. pylori infection. Additionally, we seek to analyze the association between preoperative findings and the persistence of postoperative symptoms, thereby contributing to clinical strategies for post-cholecystectomy patient management.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 465 patients who underwent cholecystectomy within the past year were reviewed. Among these, 50 patients (29 female, 21 male) who had undergone preoperative UGIE were included. Of the 465 patients reviewed, only those who had undergone preoperative UGIE and met the inclusion criteria (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, no gastrointestinal malignancy) were included, resulting in a final cohort of 50 patients. Demographic characteristics and endoscopic biopsy results were analyzed. Statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS software.

Results: The study cohort of 50 patients comprised 56% females and 44% males, with a mean age of 42.3 ± 12.1 years. Chronic gastritis was identified in 68% of patients, and H. pylori positivity was detected in 52%.

Conclusions: Preoperative evaluation of gastric mucosa and consideration of H. pylori eradication in patients undergoing cholecystectomy may hold clinical significance for managing postoperative symptoms. Routine preoperative endoscopy may be beneficial in identifying patients at risk for persistent postoperative symptoms.