The Association Between Hypercholesterolemia and Gallstone Formation: A Prospective Study

Background: Gallstone is the most common biliary problem. The main etiology for stone formation is the abnormal deposition of cholesterol in bile. The main component of bile is cholesterol, which is insoluble in water, which requires the presence of phospholipids and bile acid to assist its dissolution in water. The imbalance between these components leads to the formation of gallstones. Elevated levels of cholesterol have been associated with several gallbladder disorders such as cholesterolosis and gallstone formation. Furthermore, obesity is regarded as the major risk factor for cholesterol gallstone disease. Aim of the study: To assess the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and gallstone disease. Patients & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital-Department of Surgery, over a period extending from the 1st of December 2021 to the 1st of December 2022. The sample size would be all cases admitted to the above-mentioned hospital and the decision of elective cholecystectomy was made. Measurement of the lipid profile of all participants, with an estimation of the incidence of hyperlipidemia and its risk factors. Results: The study included 213 participants, and all of them were diagnosed with gallstones. Measurement of the lipid profile showed that the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the studied sample was 25.8%. hyperlipidemia is commonly found in hypertensive patients, cholesterol gallstone was commonly found in hyperlipidemia cases, and single gallstones and yellow gallstones were commonly found in hyperlipidemia cases. Distribution of lipid profile according to the type of gallstone showed that cases of cholesterol gallstone associated with a high level of serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and serum triglycerides, with a low level of high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased rate of cholesterol gallstone. The incidence of hyperlipidemia in gallstone disease (who is a candidate for surgery) was found to be 25.8%.