ABSTRACT
Background: A substantial group of patients with gallstone disease experience negative outcome after surgical removal of the gallbladder [cholecystectomy]. Early identification of these patients is important
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to recognize predictors [trait anxiety and clinical symptoms] of negative symptomatic outcomes at 5 weeks after cholecystectomy
Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients [n=66], 18-60 years, with symptomatic gallstone disease, completed symptom checklists and the state-trait anxiety inventory preoperatively and at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. Results: High trait anxiety was the only predictor of persistence of biliary symptoms at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy [OR=6.79]
Conclusion: In addition to clinical symptoms, high trait anxiety is a predictor of negative symptomatic outcome at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. Trait anxiety should be evaluated to aim at a patient-tailored approach in gallstone disease