Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Gallstones are a common digestive system disease. AIM: To assess the effects of laparoscopic and choledochoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy on the levels of operation indicators, gallbladder function, and cholecystokinin type-A receptor (CCKAR) in patients with gallstones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 100 patients with gallstones receiving operation from July 2019 to August 2022 were collected for retrospective analysis. They were divided into a laparoscopic group (n = 48) and a laparoscopic + choledochoscopic group (n = 52). The laparoscopic group received totally laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy, while the laparoscopic + choledochoscopic group underwent laparoscopic and choledochoscopic cholecystolithotomy. Their perioperative indicators, gallbladder function, stress indicators (cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), and C-reactive protein (CRP)), serum biochemical indicators (liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1), CCKAR, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)), and complications were compared. RESULTS: The fasting gallbladder volume and gallbladder contraction rate increased, and the minimum residual volume and gallbladder wall thickness decreased in the laparoscopic + choledochoscopic group in comparison with those of the laparoscopic group 6 months after operation (p < 0.05). The levels of serum Cor, NE, CRP, and CCKAR were elevated, whereas the levels of serum LRH-1 and VIP were lowered in both groups 3 d after operation compared with those before operation (p < 0.05). The levels of serum Cor, NE, CRP, LRH-1, and VIP were lower, and the level of serum CCKAR was higher in the laparoscopic + choledochoscopic group than those in the laparoscopic group 3 d after operation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy and laparoscopic and choledochoscopic cholecystolithotomy are effective for treating gallstones. However, the latter combination method is superior in enhancing postoperative gallbladder function, decreasing the recurrence risk, regulating the expressions of LRH-1, CCKAR, and VIP, and promoting the postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function.