Statin administration and risk of cholecystectomy: A population-based case-control study

Background: Gallstone disease is common in Western countries. Statins reduce biliary cholesterol secretion and have anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that they may play a role in reducing the incidence of surgically treated gallstone disease. Aim: To examine a potential association between statin administration and risk of cholecystectomy. Methods: We conducted a population-based case-control study of surgically treated gallstone disease using the database of Clalit Health Services (CHS). The study population consisted of all individuals age 40 85 enrolled with the central region of CHS during the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006. We identified patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2006 (n 1465). Controls (n 5860) were individually matched on year of birth and sex in a 4:1 ratio. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models to compute the odds ratio of cholecystectomy associated with statin therapy were constructed to control for patients' clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Statin use with at least 80% adherence to treatment was associated with about 30% reduction in the risk of cholecystectomy (adjusted odds ratio 0.69; 95% CI 0.57 0.84). Conclusion: The results of our large population-based study suggest that the use of statins reduces the risk of surgery for gallstone disease.