Complications

Postcholecystectomy Syndrome (PCS)

  • Definition: Persistent or recurrent abdominal symptoms (RUQ pain, flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhea) weeks to years after cholecystectomy. c
  • Etiologies:
    • Biliary: Retained CBD stone, CBD stricture, cystic duct remnant, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD).
    • Extra-biliary: GERD, PUD, IBS, pancreatitis.
    • Functional: Bile acid diarrhea (excessive bile acids entering the colon, treated with cholestyramine).
  • Clinical features: Commonly RUQ abdominal pain associated with GI symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), but often variable and often nonspecific