Trait anxiety predicts outcome 6 weeks after cholecystectomy. A prospective follow-up study

Abstract

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. © The Author(s) 2010.