Postcholecystectomy syndrome

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia


Postcholecystectomy syndrome
Synonyms PCS
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, jaundice
Complications Bile duct injury, pancreatitis
Onset After cholecystectomy
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Retained gallstones, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, bile reflux
Risks Previous gallbladder disease, surgery complications
Diagnosis Ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Differential diagnosis Peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medication, endoscopic therapy, surgery
Medication Antispasmodics, bile acid sequestrants, proton pump inhibitors
Prognosis N/A
Frequency 5-40% of patients post-cholecystectomy
Deaths N/A


Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is a complex of symptoms that includes gastrointestinal disturbances and abdominal pain that persists after cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder).

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of postcholecystectomy syndrome can be mild or severe, and may include:

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of postcholecystectomy syndrome is not known. However, it is believed to be due to changes in the bile duct and gallbladder following surgery. Other possible causes include:

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of postcholecystectomy syndrome is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of postcholecystectomy syndrome depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

See also[edit]

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