Post-cholecystectomy syndrome: a retrospective study analysing the associated demographics, aetiology, and healthcare utilization.

BACKGROUND: Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is a group of heterogeneous signs and symptoms, predominately consisting of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and/or jaundice, manifesting after undergoing a cholecystectomy. According to some studies, as many as 40% of post-cholecystectomy patients are in fact, affected by this syndrome. This study aims to determine the demographics, aetiology, average length of hospital stay, and health care burden associated with PCS.

METHODS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to determine inpatient admissions of PCS between 2011 and 2014 using the ICD-9 primary diagnosis code 576.0.

RESULTS: From 2011 to 2014, the number of inpatient admissions with a principal diagnosis of PCS totally 275. The average length of hospital stay was 4.28±4.28, 3.42±2.73, 3.74±1.84, and 3.79±2.78 days in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The total yearly charges were $32,079±$24,697, $27,019±$22,633, $34,898.21±$24,408, and $35,204±$32,951 in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Notably, the primary cause of PCS in our patient sample between the year 2011 and 2014, was biliary duct dysfunction, followed by Peptic ulcer disease.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, there is a strong need to examine for and treat the underlying aetiology when approaching a post-cholecystectomy patient. We found that longer hospital stays, were associated with a greater health care burden, and visa versa. Furthermore, our findings help identify at-risk populations which can contribute to improving surveillance of this costly disease.