Predictors of improvement in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing cholecystectomy

Authors: Quintana J.M.¹; Aróstegui I.²; Cabriada J.³; López de Tejada I.⁴; Perdigo L.⁵

Source: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 90, Number 12, December 2003 , pp. 1549-1555(7)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract:

Background:

Few studies have assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients undergoing cholecystectomy. This study aimed to determine clinical variables that predict changes in HRQoL following cholecystectomy.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for gallstones in six hospitals. Patients were asked to complete two questionnaires—the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)—before and 3 months after cholecystectomy. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine factors potentially contributing to changes in HRQoL.

Results:

Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and low surgical risk experienced the highest HRQoL gains in several SF-36 and GIQLI domains, with significant improvements in physical function detected by both instruments, compared with asymptomatic individuals at high surgical risk. Patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis or high surgical risk experienced least improvement.

Conclusion:

These data indicate that cholecystectomy is appropriate for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and low surgical risk. In terms of HRQoL, the risk to benefit ratio seems poor for patients with asymptomatic gallstones. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4345

Affiliations: 1: Unidad de Investigación, Hospital de Galdakao, Galdakao, Spain 2: Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Universidad del País Vasco, Lejona, Spain 3: Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital de Galdakao, Galdakao, Spain 4: Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital de San Eloy, Baracaldo, Spain 5: Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital de Cruces, Baracaldo, Spain

Publication date: 2003-12-01

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