What Are The Causes, Complications, And Symptoms Of Gilbert Syndrome?

Increased Risk Of Gallstones

Gilbert's syndrome patients have an increased risk of developing gallstones. In one study of patients scheduled for a cholecystectomy due to gallstones, about 3.2 percent of men had Gilbert's syndrome, but none of the women did. The researcher's takeaway was that about one in thirty men scheduled for a cholecystectomy may have Gilbert's syndrome. It's important for doctors to screen cholecystectomy patients for Gilbert's syndrome to identify the cause of any future jaundice episodes. Otherwise, they may mistakenly believe the jaundice is caused by a gallstone missed during the surgery, which could make the patient undergo an unnecessary bile duct surgery. A cholecystectomy is a surgery that removes the gallbladder. This organ stores bile that the liver produces, but the body can function without it.