Postcholecystectomy Syndrome: Causes of Pain After Surgery
Postcholecystectomy syndrome is the umbrella term for similar or new symptoms after the gallbladder has been removed. The underlying cause is usually in the bile duct, the sphincter, or outside the biliary tract.
Common causes
- Retained bile-duct stone
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
- Bile-duct stricture
- Non-biliary causes such as reflux, gastritis, ulcer
- Pancreatitis
Workup
Detailed history, blood tests (liver and pancreas enzymes), ultrasound and, when needed, MRCP/EUS are used to identify the cause.
Treatment
Treatment targets the cause: ERCP, medical therapy, or rarely repeat surgery may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact & Appointment
Share your existing ultrasound, MRCP, CT/MRI, blood tests or discharge summary to receive preliminary information about the process. A definitive evaluation is only possible after physical examination and the necessary investigations.
Message on WhatsAppThe information on this page is provided for general patient education only and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or any surgical decision. An assessment appropriate for you can only be made after a clinical examination and the necessary investigations.