Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver in Patients with Gallstones Undergoing Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition often associated with metabolic syndrome and gallstone disease (GSD). Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate symptomatic gallstone patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 330 patients who underwent cholecystectomy at the Referral Hospital of Ganjavian in Dezful city, Iran, between 2020 and 2022. Patients were selected using simple random sampling. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 - 85 with symptomatic gallstones (GS), while exclusion criteria comprised other liver diseases. Data on age, gender, NAFLD (assessed by ultrasonography), liver enzymes, and comorbidities were collected. Results: Among the 330 patients, 31.82% (n = 105) were diagnosed with NAFLD. The mean age of the patients was 48.64 ± 13.48 years. The NAFLD was significantly associated with diabetes (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.61 - 5.45), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13 - 3.37), and hypertension (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.24 - 3.61). There was a significant difference between patients with NAFLD and those without NAFLD (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study identified a significant prevalence of NAFLD at 31.82% among symptomatic gallstone patients undergoing cholecystectomy. The incidence of NAFLD showed no correlation with gender or smoking status; however, it was strongly associated with various metabolic comorbidities. These findings highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach to managing GSD, including early detection and targeted treatment of NAFLD and its related metabolic conditions.