Gallstones and Related Complications, Cholecystitis and Cholangitis After Bariatric Surgery

Obesity and rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery are important risk factors for developing biliary stones. Malabsorptive bariatric procedures further increase this risk by altering enterohepatic circulation and normal gallbladder physiology. Concurrent cholecystectomy during bariatric surgery is technically difficult and prolongs surgical time, consequently, the timing of cholecystectomy in these patients remains a matter of concern. Prophylactic cholecystectomy in the absence of lithiasis is strongly not recommended. The low rate of gallstones-related complications suggests that concomitant cholecystectomy in patients undergoing bariatric procedures should follow the same indications as adopted in general population.