Background: Gallstones are a common gastrointestinal complication following bariatric surgery, potentially resulting in cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. These complications arise due to biliary homeostasis alterations and rapid postoperative weight loss. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to reduce biliary cholesterol saturation, thereby preventing gallstone formation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ursobil (UDCA) in preventing gallstones in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted study was conducted at Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, from October 2022 to March 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board. Patients aged 18 to 65 years with a BMI between 35 and 65 kg/m² were eligible. Exclusion criteria included a history of gallstones, previous bariatric or cholecystectomy surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, recent UDCA use, or bleeding disorders. Participants were divided into two groups: the case group received 600 mg of UDCA daily for six months postoperatively, while the control group received no UDCA. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed before surgery and six months afterward. Outcome measures included gallstone formation, weight loss, need for cholecystectomy, and health-related quality of life, assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.
Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender distribution, and baseline BMI. The mean weight loss was similar between groups after six months. Gallstone formation occurred in 1.7% (n=1) of the UDCA group compared to 15% (n=9) of the control group (P=0.012). None of the patients in the intervention group required cholecystectomy, whereas 11.7% (n=7) in the control group underwent the procedure (P=0.011). Quality of life scores were higher in the UDCA group, though not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Oral administration of UDCA effectively and significantly reduces the risk of gallstone formation and the need for cholecystectomy in post-bariatric surgery patients. Routine use of UDCA during rapid weight loss phases may improve clinical outcomes and reduce gallstone-related complications. Preventive use of UDCA may effectively and significantly reduce gallstone-related morbidity in patients undergoing rapid weight loss.