Postcholecystectomy Syndrome

Postcholecystectomy syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment

A cholecystectomy is an operation in which the gallbladder is removed. This surgery may be necessary if the patient suffers from gallstones or other gallbladder diseases. Although most cholecystectomy patients experience relief, some may experience a problem called postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS).

PCS is a condition in which the pain that bothered the patient before cholecystectomy remains after surgery. This can happen due to various reasons, which should be considered when diagnosing and treating this condition.

Causes of postcholecystectomy syndrome

After cholecystectomy, some patients may experience problems related to the surgery. Some of the possible causes of PCS include:

1. Leaving stones in the bile ducts
2. Scar narrowing of the bile ducts
3. Long cystic duct stump
4. Stenosis of the major duodenal papilla

In addition, PCS may be associated with other diseases that existed before surgery and are not related to it. Such diseases may include hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, colitis, kidney disease, radicular syndrome, etc.

Symptoms of postcholecystectomy syndrome

Symptoms of PCS may include:

1. Pain in the upper abdomen
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
4. Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
5. Intolerance to fatty foods
6. Pain when eating

If you experience these symptoms after cholecystectomy, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of postcholecystectomy syndrome

Diagnosis of PCS may involve the use of various examination methods, such as ultrasound (ultrasound), retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. These methods make it possible to clarify the nature of the pathology and determine the type of surgical intervention required.

Treatment of postcholecystectomy syndrome

Treatment for PCS depends on the cause of the symptoms. If the problems are related to remaining stones in the bile duct, additional surgery may be required to remove them. If the cause is scar narrowing of the bile ducts, then dilatation of these ducts may be required using balloon dilatation or stenting.

If the problems are related to other diseases, then treatment is aimed at managing these diseases. For example, peptic ulcers may require treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and pancreatitis may require treatment with pancreatic enzymes.

Prevention of postcholecystectomy syndrome

Prevention of PCS consists of a thorough examination of the patient before cholecystectomy and adequate intraoperative examination of the biliary tract. Careful technique for performing cholecystectomy is also important.

In conclusion, postcholecystectomy syndrome is a condition that can occur after cholecystectomy. Causes vary and treatment depends on the specific cause. It is important to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of PCS to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is also important to take preventive measures to minimize the risks of this condition.