ABSTRACT

Background: Gallstone formation after bariatric surgery is a general complication. Numerous strategies have been suggested to prevent gallstone disease among patients after bariatric surgery. The UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid taken orally for the prevention of gallstones formation by enhancing bile flow and decreasing its lithogenicity. It is very well-tolerated and has minor side effects.

Aim: To evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in the prevention of gallstones after sleeve gastrectomy.

Method: It was prospective study in which 416 patients admitted for Sleeve Gastrectomy at Hameed Latif Hospital Lahore were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group-1 comprised 208 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and used UDCA while Group 2 also comprised 208 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy but did not use UDCA. The role of UDCA in prevention of gallstones was assessed.

Results: Among 416 patients, majority (41.3%) was 41-50 years old and 56.3% were female patients. 35.8% patients had percentage of extra weight loss 51-60% due to surgery. Among 208 patients who used UDCA, only 5.3% developed gallstones while among 208 patients who did not use UDCA, majority (88.9%) developed gallstones at 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion: Study concluded that ursodeoxycholic acid plays a significant role in the prevention of gallstones after sleeve gastrectomy.

Keywords: Ursodeoxycholic acid, gallstones, sleeve gastrectomy, prevention