Liu XY, Ma J, Jiao Y. Cholecystectomy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Exploring the hidden connection and implications. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; 17(10): 109359 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i10.109359]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China. lagelangri1@126.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Minireviews
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This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Oct 27, 2025 (publication date) through Oct 24, 2025
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World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
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1948-9366
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Liu XY, Ma J, Jiao Y. Cholecystectomy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Exploring the hidden connection and implications. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; 17(10): 109359 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i10.109359]
World J Gastrointest Surg. Oct 27, 2025; 17(10): 109359 Published online Oct 27, 2025. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i10.109359
Cholecystectomy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Exploring the hidden connection and implications
Xue-Yan Liu, Jing Ma, Yan Jiao
Xue-Yan Liu, Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
Jing Ma, Department of Emergency ICU, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
Co-first authors: Xue-Yan Liu and Jing Ma.
Author contributions: Liu XY contributed to the writing, editing of the manuscript; Ma J contributed to the literature search; Liu XY and Ma J contributed equally to this article, they are the co-first authors of this manuscript; Jiao Y designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript and contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; and all authors have read and approve the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China. lagelangri1@126.com
Received: May 9, 2025 Revised: May 27, 2025 Accepted: September 4, 2025 Published online: October 27, 2025 Processing time: 168 Days and 23.3 Hours
Abstract
Cholecystectomy, one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, is generally considered safe and effective. However, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between cholecystectomy and the development or progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This article examines the current understanding of this association, focusing on mechanisms such as altered bile acid metabolism, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and changes in lipid homeostasis. It addresses resolved challenges, including short-term metabolic effects, and highlights key unresolved questions, such as the long-term impact on liver health and specific at-risk populations. Finally, the review discusses future research directions and practical strategies for monitoring and managing liver health in patient’s post-cholecystectomy, aiming to improve outcomes and guide clinical practice.
Core Tip: Cholecystectomy, a common surgical treatment for gallbladder diseases, may inadvertently increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to disrupted bile acid metabolism, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and altered lipid regulation. These metabolic disturbances are especially pronounced in patients with obesity or insulin resistance. This review highlights emerging mechanistic insights and underscores the importance of proactive liver health monitoring and lifestyle intervention following cholecystectomy.
