Objective To explore the correlations of cholecystokinin receptor A (CCK-A) and leptin (Lep) with the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in children.

Methods A total of 80 children with gallstones treated by LC were prospectively selected, and divided into good recovery group (56 cases) and poor recovery group (24 cases) according to the recovery of gastrointestinal function at 48 hours after operation. The levels of serum CCK-A and Lep at immediately after operation and 48 hours after operation as well as the change rates of CCK-A and Lep levels in the two groups were measured and compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of gastrointestinal function recovery after LC in children.

Results At 48 hours after operation, the level of serum CCK-A in the poor recovery group was significantly lower than that in the good recovery group, while the level of Lep was significantly higher than that in the good recovery group(P < 0.05). The change rate of serum CCK-A in the poor recovery group was (10.22±1.42)%, which was significantly lower than (17.38±1.87)% in the good recovery group; the change rate of Lep was (78.98±14.18)%, which was significantly higher than (67.12±10.34)% of the good recovery group (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the time of operation, hot compress on umbilicus by traditional Chinese medicine bag, the rates of change of the serum CCK-A level and Lep level were all independent influencing factors for the recovery of gastrointestinal function after LC in children with gallstones (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The changes of CCK-A and Lep affect the recovery of gastrointestinal function after LC operation for cholecystolithiasis. The correlations of low CCK-A change rate and high Lep change rate with poor recovery of gastrointestinal function can provide clinical guidance for the rehabilitation of children with gallstones after LC.