Association between cholecystectomy and chronic kidney disease risk: a nationally retrospective cohort study

Cholecystectomy, a common surgery, has been associated to various health issues. Some evidence suggests associations between gallbladder removal and elevated risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, the potential association between cholecystectomy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains understudied. This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between cholecystectomy and CKD risk using a large, population-based cohort.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of Korea [2011-2019]. A total of 2,885 participants who underwent cholecystectomy were matched with 8,653 controls. We matched 2,885 cholecystectomy patients with 8,653 controls (1:3 ratio) by sex and propensity score. The incidence of CKD was followed from the surgery date until death or 2019.

During a mean follow-up time of 6.04 years, 239 CKD cases were identified. The risk of CKD was significantly increased in the cholecystectomy group compared with the non-cholecystectomy group after adjustment for covariates [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-2.31]. This association was observed more than 3 years after cholecystectomy (aHR 1.68; 95% CI: 1.38-2.05) and were consistent across strata of sex, age group, household income, physical activity, and smoking status.

Post-cholecystectomy patients might have a higher risk of CKD, and this increased risk could persist over time. Further long-term and in-depth studies are needed to explore the association between cholecystectomy and CKD.