Table 3

The associations between cholecystectomy and gastrointestinal symptoms postoperatively in HUNT3

UnadjustedAdjusted*
WomenMenWomenMen
OR (95% CI)p ValueOR (95% CI)p ValueOR (95% CI)p ValueOR (95% CI)p Value
Diarrhoea†
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic2.73 (1.77 to 4.20)<0.0012.96 (1.06 to 8.30)0.0392.61 (1.62 to 4.21)<0.0014.39 (1.49 to 12.87)0.007
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis3.21 (1.77 to 4.20)<0.0010.85 (0.21 to 3.46)0.8152.95 (1.71 to 5.08)<0.0011.46 (0.35 to 6.08)0.601
Constipation†
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic1.16 (0.73 to 1.84)0.5391.12 (0.18 to 7.11)0.9011.09 (0.64 to 1.84)0.7640.81 (0.11 to 6.19)0.835
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis1.68 (1.07 to 2.65)0.0252.97 (0.89 to 9.90)0.0761.66 (0.99 to 2.76)0.0531.13 (0.44 to 3.86)0.634
Nausea†
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic1.13 (0.46 to 2.75)0.7946.06 (1.45 to 25.3)0.0141.27 (0.46 to 3.55)0.6467.95 (1.85 to 34.9)0.006
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis0.31 (0.04 to 2.18)0.237–‡–‡–‡
Heartburn or acid regurgitation†
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic1.61 (1.03 to 2.52)0.0361.33 (0.47 to 3.72)0.5901.19 (0.72 to 1.97)0.5011.24 (0.42 to 3.73)0.698
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis1.79 (1.10 to 2.90)0.0181.09 (0.47 to 2.52)0.8341.25 (0.73 to 2.12)0.4170.82 (0.34 to 2.01)0.670
Stomach pain or discomfort†
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic2.74 (1.96 to 3.82)<0.0013.48 (1.55 to 7.78)0.0022.83 (2.01 to 4.00)<0.0013.57 (1.55 to 8.24)0.003
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis2.32 (1.55 to 3.46)<0.0011.15 (0.47 to 2.85)0.7562.44 (1.61 to 3.69)<0.0011.10 (0.44 to 2.76)0.833
Upper stomach pain§
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic1.44 (0.76 to 2.73)0.2604.62 (0.55 to 38.5)0.1581.41 (0.74 to 2.68)0.3074.59 (1.53 to 13.72)0.164
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis1.60 (0.72 to 3.58)0.250–‡1.37 (0.62 to 3.01)0.453–‡
Stomach pain after meals§
 Non-operated1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)1.00 (reference)
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic2.46 (1.23 to 4.90)0.0111.66 (0.37 to 7.46)0.5092.57 (1.30 to 5.08)0.0081.68 (0.36 to 7.93)0.501
 Cholecystectomy for gallstone-related cholecystitis or pancreatitis1.52 (0.70 to 3.310.2904.98 (0.55 to 44.7)0.1521.63 (0.78 to 3.420.2225.45 (1.76 to 16.85)0.133
  • *The first four symptoms were adjusted for the same symptom in HUNT2 (baseline). In addition, all seven symptoms were adjusted for age, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in HUNT3.

  • †Self-reported much symptoms in the last 12 months.

  • ‡No or too few cases in these cells.

  • §Self-reported symptoms in the past 12 months in patients reporting much stomach pain or discomfort.

  • HUNT2, second Nord-Trøndelag Health Study; HUNT3, third Nord-Trøndelag Health Study.