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The post-cholecystectomy syndrome, incidence, etiology and treatment

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The American Journal of Digestive Diseases

Summary

The incidence of gall bladder disease in the general population is reviewed and the percentage of cases submitting to cholecystectomy who develop symptoms postoperatively is quoted from several of the larger surgical clinics in this country. The incidence appears to run between 30 and 40 per cent of cholecystectomized patients. The post-cholecystectomy syndrome is defined as a recurrence of symptoms following removal of the gall bladder resembling or identical with those which existed prior to operation.

The anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the extra-hepatic biliary system are discussed and the various etiologies of the post-cholecystectomy syndrome are reviewed. A rational pharmacological basis for the treatment of biliary dyskinesia is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Durham, N. C.

    William T. Davison M.D.

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  1. William T. Davison M.D.
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Davison, W.T. The post-cholecystectomy syndrome, incidence, etiology and treatment. Jour. D. D. 14, 290–294 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03001343

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03001343

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