Does Cholecystectomy Increase Risk for Pancreatic Cancer?

Results from several experimental studies have suggested that cholecystectomy increases risk for pancreatic cancer, but data from epidemiologic studies are conflicting. To assess the long-term . . .

Results from several experimental studies have suggested that cholecystectomy increases risk for pancreatic cancer, but data from epidemiologic studies are conflicting. To assess the long-term risk for pancreatic cancer after cholecystectomy, researchers conducted a register-based retrospective cohort study of 268,312 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy from 1965 through 1997 in Sweden.

Patients were followed until final diagnosis of any cancer, death, emigration, or the end of follow-up. During a mean follow-up of 13 years, 1053 patients developed pancreatic cancer: 22% of these cancers occurred during the first year after surgery and 9% after the second year; these risks were 5 times and 2 times those in the general population. Afte…

Reviewing Author

Stuart Sherman, MD