Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have 2.57 times higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomyPeople with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to have gallbladder surgery

Frontiers in Medicine Published November 6, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Note that patients with IBS have significantly higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomy (OR = 2.57).

This meta-analysis analyzed data from 181,848 participants to investigate the association between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and the likelihood of undergoing a cholecystectomy. The analysis identified that patients with IBS had significantly higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomy than individuals without the condition (OR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.36 to 4.85; p = 0.009). The study reported 6,249 cholecystectomy events among the cohort.

The authors noted substantial between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 98.1%) as a primary limitation. However, the association remained robust across leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, and no evidence of publication bias was detected. Because the underlying data are from observational studies, the results indicate an association rather than a direct causal link between IBS and the necessity of surgery.

Clinically, these findings suggest that healthcare providers should carefully evaluate biliary symptoms in patients diagnosed with IBS. This approach may improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient selection for surgery, potentially reducing the number of unnecessary cholecystectomies in this population.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in understanding the surgical outcomes and diagnostic complexities associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While previous coverage noted that IBS-M, IBS-D, and IBS-C patients experience higher symptom severity and lower quality of life, this study specifically quantifies the association between IBS and cholecystectomy. It does not directly relate to the efficacy of Rifaximin, the impact of antibiotic exposure, or the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in managing IBS symptoms.

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can make it hard to tell which symptoms come from the gut and which come from other organs. A large study of over 181,000 people found that those with IBS were significantly more likely to undergo a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Researchers found that people with IBS had over twice the odds of having this surgery compared to people without the condition. While the study shows a strong link, it is important to remember that this is an association. It does not prove that IBS causes the need for surgery, but it does suggest that doctors should look more closely at gallbladder symptoms in these patients.

Because of the high number of surgeries in this group, doctors can use these findings to be more careful during the diagnosis process. The goal is to make sure patients only undergo surgery when it is truly necessary. This helps ensure that the right people get the right care while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

What this means for you:

People with irritable bowel syndrome are much more likely to undergo gallbladder surgery than those without it.

Common questions

Why are people with IBS more likely to have gallbladder surgery?

The study found that people with irritable bowel syndrome had significantly higher odds of undergoing a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Specifically, they had 2.57 times the odds of having the surgery compared to people without IBS. This suggests that doctors should carefully evaluate gallbladder symptoms in patients with IBS to improve diagnosis.

Does having irritable bowel syndrome mean I will need surgery?

The study shows a strong link between irritable bowel syndrome and a higher likelihood of gallbladder surgery, but it does not prove that the condition causes the need for surgery. Because of this association, doctors recommend a careful evaluation of your specific symptoms to ensure you only have surgery if it is truly necessary for your health.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedNov 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gallbladder disease share overlapping symptoms that may contribute to diagnostic uncertainty and unnecessary cholecystectomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether patients with IBS are more likely to undergo cholecystectomy than those without IBS.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted through June 3, 2026. Observational studies comparing cholecystectomy among adults with and without IBS were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, influence diagnostics, meta-regression, publication bias assessment, and risk-of-bias evaluation were conducted.ResultsTen studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and nine studies comprising 181,848 participants and 6,249 cholecystectomy events were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with IBS had significantly higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomy than controls (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.36–4.85; p = 0.009). Between-study heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 98.1%), but the association remained robust across leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression demonstrated that study design, geographic region, IBS diagnostic criteria, study quality, and sample size did not significantly influence the pooled effect estimate. No evidence of publication bias was detected, and the included studies were generally of good methodological quality.ConclusionsPatients with IBS have significantly higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomy than individuals without IBS. These findings support careful evaluation of biliary symptoms in patients with IBS to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize patient selection for surgery, and reduce unnecessary cholecystectomy.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261412571, identifier CRD420261412571.

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have 2.57 times higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomyPeople with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to have gallbladder surgery

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

Study Details

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Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have 2.57 times higher odds of undergoing cholecystectomyPeople with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to have gallbladder surgery

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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