Published online Nov 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i11.2398
Peer-review started: May 23, 2023
First decision: July 8, 2023
Revised: July 22, 2023
Accepted: September 22, 2023
Article in press: September 22, 2023
Published online: November 27, 2023
Processing time: 187 Days and 21.5 Hours
The incidence of cholecystitis is relatively high in developed countries and may usually be attributed to gallstones, the treatment for which involves complete surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Bile acids produced following cholecystectomy continue to flow into the duodenum but are poorly absorbed by the colon. Excessive bile acids in the colon stimulate mucosal secretion of water and electrolytes leading, in severe cases, to diarrhoea. Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is difficult to diagnose, requiring a comprehensive medical history and physical examination in combination with laboratory evaluation. The current work reviews the diagnosis and treatment of BAD following chole
Core Tip: The incidence of cholecystitis is relatively high in developed countries, the treatment for which involves complete surgical removal of the gallbladder. Bile acids produced following cholecystectomy are poorly absorbed by the colon. Excessive bile acids in the colon stimulate mucosal secretion of water and electrolytes leading, in severe cases, to diarrhoea. The current work reviews the diagnosis and treatment of bile acid diarrhoea following cholecystectomy.