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Gallstones

The rate of gallstone formation following intestinal resection is increased 2-3 fold. This may be due to the loss of bile salts with the generation of a `lithogenic bile'. Some surgeons advocate incidental cholecystectomy in a patient undergoing extensive intestinal resection, due to the higher incidence of gallstones and the difficulties of cholecystectomy due to adhesions.



Adrian P. Ireland 2004-02-02