Changes in Serum Mineral and Trace Element Levels Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Pilot Study

Aim: The gallbladder is increasingly recognized as a metabolically active organ that regulates bile acid signaling and systemic metabolic homeostasis.While the metabolic consequences of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) have been extensively studied, its long-term impact on mineral and trace element homeostasis remains unknown.To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to evaluate the longitudinal changes in multiple serum minerals and trace elements following LC.Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in serum mineral and trace element levels and body mass index (BMI) at six months after LC in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. Materials and Methods:This prospective longitudinal pilot study included 30 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease who underwent LC.Serum samples were collected preoperatively and at six months postoperatively.Serum levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr, Cd, and Se were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.BMI was calculated by measuring weight before surgery and six months after surgery.Pre-and postoperative measurements and sex-based differences were statistically analyzed, with correction for multiple comparisons by sex.Results: BMI increased significantly six months after LC, compared with baseline (p<0.001).Serum Fe, Zn, Mg, and Cr levels decreased significantly after LC (p<0.001), while Cu and Cd levels increased significantly (p<0.001).Although a slight decrease in Se levels was observed, it was not statistically significant (p=0.856).After correction for multiple comparisons, women had significantly lower preoperative Cr levels and postoperative Fe levels than men.Conclusion: LC was associated with significant changes in serum mineral and trace element homeostasis and an increase in BMI six months postoperatively.These findings may be related to alterations in BA physiology and enterohepatic circulation following LC; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.Long-term prospective studies integrating BA profiles, gut microbiota, and nutritional biomarkers are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these changes.