An observational study using a large British database has found that taking a statin may reduce the risk of gallstones and cholecystectomy (JAMA, 302[18]:2001-2007). Researchers identified 27,000 cholecystectomy patients and more than 100,000 matched controls. Among these, 2,396 patients and 8,868 controls had taken statins. The study included 76% women, mean age 53, and the results were controlled for smoking, body mass index, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and estrogen use.
   Results showed that patients who took a statin had a 22% lower risk of cholecystectomy than those who didn't take a statin. The risk reduction varied with the length of statin treatment. Patients who had filled fewer than five prescriptions had no benefit. Those who had filled five to 19 prescriptions had a 15% reduction in cholecystectomy risk. Those who had filled 20 or more statin prescriptions had a 36% reduction in cholecystectomy risk. In general, cholecystectomy risk declined after more than 1 year of statin use.
   Researchers also found that patients with high body mass indexes and patients who used estrogen had a substantially increased risk of gallstones and cholecystectomy.
   More than 700,000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in the United States. Most result from buildup of cholesterol gallstones.

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