Are patients who have undergone cholecystectomy at high risk for colorectal cancer?

"Someone said that because I had gallstones and had my gallbladder removed, I am more likely to get colon cancer?" Why are patients who have had their gallbladder removed at a high risk of colorectal cancer?

First of all, people with gallstones may have some problems with their diet. Most of these people like to eat high-fat, high-animal protein foods, which is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Secondly, patients with gallstones, especially middle-aged and elderly patients, are also at high risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, after cholecystectomy, this group of people may be more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer due to age and other potential factors.

Secondly, we need to know that the main function of the gallbladder is to store, concentrate and empty bile. When we eat fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts to discharge bile into the intestines to help digest and absorb lipids. Bile is secreted by liver cells, stored in the gallbladder, and released when eating to assist digestion. After the gallbladder is removed, there is no function to store bile. After the bile is produced, it will be directly discharged into our intestines. The bile acid in the bile may constantly stimulate the intestines and interact with intestinal bacteria and proteins to produce steroid substances that may cause cancer, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.

Will everyone who has their gallbladder removed get colon cancer?

Wrong! It just means that the risk is higher than others. And it usually happens over time, so there is no need to worry too much, because our human body is very wonderful. After the gallbladder is removed, our bile duct will actually expand compensatorily, gradually replacing part of the gallbladder's function and playing a role in storing bile, and it may gradually get better later.

So you don't have to worry too much about whether you will get colorectal cancer after having your gallbladder removed. It's just that after having your gallbladder removed, if you are over 40 or over 45, it is recommended that you have a colonoscopy. If nothing goes wrong, have another colonoscopy in 5-10 years. Close observation can effectively prevent colorectal cancer.

If I have gallstones, is it possible not to have my gallbladder removed?

If there are obvious symptoms of gallstones and frequent attacks of cholecystitis will have a great impact on our life, work, and diet, or if there is a relatively large gallstone in your body for a long time, it will also increase the risk of cancer, that is, gallbladder cancer. Therefore, if you have gallstones, you still have to remove the gallbladder.

However, it is important to note that in order to prevent colorectal cancer, whether or not you have had a cholecystectomy, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, and avoid bad habits such as smoking and drinking. For high-risk groups, early screening for colorectal cancer should be performed regularly, including fecal occult blood tests, fecal DNA tests, tumor marker tests, and most importantly, colonoscopy. Early detection and early treatment are the key to preventing colorectal cancer.

Author: Dr. Chrysanthemum Lin Guole Team

Reviewer: Wang Qiang, deputy chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Produced by: China Association for Science and Technology Department of Science Popularization

Producer: China Science and Technology Press Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongke Xinghe Culture Media Co., Ltd.