Is Cholecystectomy in Patients with Symptomatic Uncomplicated Cholelithiasis Beneficial in Improving the Lipid Profile?

Introduction Gallstone disease is an emerging health issue worldwide with its incidence on the rise. The development of gallstone disease is multifactorial, with risk factors including increased age, female sex, obesity, and the use of oral contraceptive pills. It has been established that more than 50% of patients with gallstone disease have a coexisting lipid disorder. Cholecystectomy, the definitive management of gallstones, may improve the lipid profiles of some patients. Objectives This study aims to examine the postoperative changes in the lipid profiles of patients who underwent cholecystectomy. These lipid profiles include levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and the Chol/HDL ratio. Methods This retrospective study included 55 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2013 and 2017. Biochemical parameters, which include LDL, TG, HDL, and TC levels, were collected using the hospital's recording system, in addition to the calculation of the Chol/HDL ratio. Results Statistically significant changes included a reduction in the mean LDL values in the two-, four-, and six-month postoperative periods (P = 0.029, 0.000, and 0.008, respectively), increased mean TG levels one-week postoperatively (P = 0.034), decreased mean TC levels at four (P = 0.049) and six months (P = 0.026) after cholecystectomy, and increased Chol/HDL ratio at two and 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.03, and 0.022, respectively). Conclusions From the results, it can be concluded that cholelithiasis is associated with abnormal lipid profiles and that undergoing cholecystectomy may improve them and reduce the future risk of developing coronary artery disease. However, further research is needed to confirm this association.