Cholelithiasis after Billroth II gastric resection.

We evaluate whether Billroth II (BII) gastric resection is a predisposing condition in the formation of gallstones. In our department radiologic and echographic imaging is a routine examination before abdominal surgery. From 1980 to 1985, 202 patients underwent cholecystography or ultrasonography before BII gastric resections for peptic ulcers. The prevalence of cholelithiasis in a random sample of the population of the town near our institution was used to calculate the expected frequency of gallstones. The comparison of the expected and the observed frequencies of cholelithiasis in these patients did not show any statistically significant difference between men and women. All these patients were recalled for a follow-up of the long-term effects of gastric surgery, and 66% (133/202) returned and were examined. They underwent ultrasonography of the biliary tract. Again the observed and the expected (obtained as before) frequencies of cholelithiasis were compared. A statistically significant difference was apparent in male patients. We conclude that BII gastric resection could be a predisposing factor in the formation of gallstones in men.