Reconsideration of indications for choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery and preventive measures for postoperative recurrence of gallstones

Introduction The recurrence of cholecystolithiasis after choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery is a major problem. It is unclear whether the recurrence of cholecystolithiasis is due to the limitations of the operation itself or to the selection of inappropriate candidates. Aim To analyze the recurrence of cholecystolithiasis after choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery and to provide guidance for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis by choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery. Material and methods A total of 145 patients who had undergone choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery were studied from January 2012 to January 2018. The recurrence rate, recurrence time, and risk factors were evaluated. Results Of these 145 patients, 14 (9.66%) experienced recurrence with a mean follow-up time of 39.72 ±24.44 months. The mean time to recurrence was 30.07 ±21.21 months. Univariate analysis showed that pregnancy history (p = 0.008), the uniformity of gallstones (p = 0.002), preoperative inflammation (p = 0.022), postoperative oral drugs (p = 0.022) and the regularity of diet (p = 0.001) were significantly related to recurrence. The uniformity of gallstones (odds ratio (OR) = 0.079; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.010–0.590; p = 0.013) and the regularity of diet (OR = 0.074; 95% CI: 0.010–0.528; p = 0.009) were independent prognostic factors for recurrence according to multivariate analysis. Conclusions Nonuniform gallstones combined with an irregular diet are significant risk factors that predict cholecystolithiasis recurrence.