postcholecystectomy syndrome

Postcholecystectomy syndrome is a condition characterized by painful attacks that can occur after the surgical removal of the gallbladder and gallstones. These symptoms may resemble those experienced before the surgery.1

The pathology behind these attacks can be related to several factors:
* Biliary stricture: Narrowing of the bile ducts.1
* Gallstones: The presence of remaining gallstones.1
* Sphincter of Oddi spasms: Intermittent muscular spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, which controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine.1

While cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones, postcholecystectomy syndrome refers to symptoms that arise after the gallbladder has been removed. Treatment for postcholecystectomy syndrome typically involves medication to help prevent or reduce the symptoms.21