Gallstones & Weight Loss - Study
Prevention of gallstone formation in morbidly
obese patients undergoing rapid weight loss: results of a randomized controlled
pilot study.
An increased risk of gallstone (GS) formation
has been linked to obesity and to episodes of rapid and significant weight
loss. Previous reports have suggested that bile salt therapy (ursodeoxycholic
acid) or prostaglandin inhibition (ibuprofen) may prevent gallstone formation
in this high-risk group. The purpose of this study was to investigate
GS prevention following bariatric surgery.
Gallstones & Weight Loss Study -
Design
Randomized double blind controlled trial.
Gallstones & Weight Loss Study -
Method
Sixty patients without gallstones preoperatively (gender, 9 male, 51 female;
average preop wt, 349.6 lb; mean age, 38 years) were randomly assigned
to receive urso (600 mg/day, n = 20), ibuprofen (600 mg/d, n = 20), or
placebo (n = 20). At the time of standard open gastric bypass, intraoperative
ultrasonography confirmed the absence of stones or microcalculi, and bile
samples were collected via puncture of the gallbladder for bile lipid
analysis. Following recovery and resumption of a bariatric diet, study
medication was prescribed for the first 6 months postop. Gallbladder emptying
and GS formation were assessed using ultrasonograms preop and at 3, 6,
9, and 12 months postop (gallbladder emptying following a high-fat liquid
test meal was assessed preop, and at 3 and 6 months postop).
For results, see Gallstones
& Weight Loss Study Results
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