Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gallstones have become a major health problem because of their silent manifestation and unclear pathogenesis. Although the association between the disturbed lipid metabolism and formation of gallstones has been elucidated in many studies, the effect of cholecystectomy on lipid profile has not been studied in detail. AIM: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of cholecystectomy on lipid levels in patients with gallstones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 patients with gallstones and 30 healthy volunteers for comparison of lipid levels. Subsequently, cholecystectomy was conducted on patients with gallstones and pre- and post-operative lipid levels were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels and increase in high-density lipoprotein levels after 1 month of surgery, while low-density lipoprotein levels and very low-density lipoprotein were not statistically changed. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy can significantly improve lipid levels in patients with gallstones.