Trait Anxiety Predicts Outcome 6 Weeks After Cholecystectomy. A Prospective Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND A substantial group of patients with gallstone disease experience negative outcome after surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Early identification of these patients is important. PURPOSE The aim of the study is to identify predictors (clinical symptoms and trait anxiety) of negative symptomatic outcomes at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. METHODS Consecutive patients (n = 133), 18-65 years, with symptomatic gallstone disease, completed symptom checklists and the state-trait anxiety inventory preoperatively and at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. RESULTS High trait anxiety was the only predictor of persistence of biliary symptoms at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy (OR = 6.88). CONCLUSION In addition to clinical symptoms, high trait anxiety is a predictor of negative symptomatic outcome at 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. Trait anxiety should be evaluated to aim at a patient-tailored approach in gallstone disease.