Gall bladder dyspepsia

Summary

In analyzing the results of this investigation, one is impressed by the fact that no definite entity of gall bladder dyspepsia can be established. There was nothing in the histories to separate this dyspepsia from that originating from other sources. One finding seems important; if the dyspepsia is associated with the acute attack alone, then relief is likely to follow cholecystectomy. There was no difference in the food intolerance in the post-cholecystectomy group and that found in the irritable colon group. This was rather surprising in view of the commonly-held belief that fat intolerance is pathognomonic of gall bladder disease. The foods mentioned most often as causing dyspepsia were identical with those found in the so-called irritable colon syndrome. We are unable to explain adequately the frequent occurrence of abnormal glucose tolerance. There was no correlation between the degree of pathology found in the excised gall bladders and the clinical symptoms or relief by cholecystectomy. The various laboratory procedures revealed no uniform abnormalities.

While we do not suggest that the diseased gall bladder with stones should not be removed, we do feel that the patient should be informed of his chances for obtaining relief from dyspepsia. Every effort should be made to determine the true cause of the dyspepsia and, if possible, measures instituted to correct it before operation.