Background and study aims: In animal studies cholecystectomy has been found to alter the normal effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on sphincter of Oddi (SO) function. This could be of importance with regard to the development of postcholecystectomy biliary pain. We therefore investigated the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on SO motility before and after infusion with CCK.
Patients and methods: A prospective study of SO motility, under basal conditions and during CCK (ceruletide) infusion, was carried out in eight women with uncomplicated gallstone disease, before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Results: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased common bile duct pressure (P = 0.01) and decreased the frequency of phasic contractions (P=0.05). However, the inhibitory effect of CCK was preserved as infusion of CCK was associated with a significant reduction in SO phasic amplitude and frequency, both before and after cholecystectomy.
Conclusions: Following laparoscopic cholecystectomy an indisputable inhibitory effect of CCK in the SO was found. Common bile duct pressure increased and minor modifications in basal SO motility were seen.