Short-term studies have shown that patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) often develop cholestasis or cholelithiasis. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to define the incidence, risk factors, and clinical consequences of cholelithiasis in adults with SBS over an extended time period.

However, only limited data are available regarding cholelithiasis in patients with SBS. The prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients with SBS has been reported only in two studies. Furthermore, few studies have focused on identifying the risk factors for cholelithiasis in patients with SBS. Considering the marked improvements in medical care and nutrition support during the last 2 decades, the current incidence and risk factors for cholelithiasis in patients with SBS are unknown.

The aim of the current study was to provide comprehensive, longitudinal, and long-term data on the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic cholelithiasis in a cohort of patients with SBS, in order to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical consequences of cholelithiasis in patients with SBS to aid in the development of protective interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

All eligible adults diagnosed with SBS

Exclusion Criteria:

age <18 years; history of cholelithiasis before SBS diagnosis; cholecystectomy; biliary tract obstruction or no abdominal imaging (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) after SBS diagnosis.

SBS was defined as intestinal malabsorption disorder caused by extensive bowel resection with a remnant small intestine length of <200cm