Effect of cholesterol metabolism on hepatolithiasis.

Surgical intervention is currently the primary treatment for hepatolithiasis; however, some patients still experience residual stones and high recurrence rates after surgery. Cholesterol metabolism seems to play an important role in hepatolithiasis pathogenesis. A high cholesterol diet is one of the significant reasons for the increasing incidence of hepatolithiasis. Therefore, regular diet and appropriate medical intervention are crucial measures to prevent hepatolithiasis and reduce recurrence rate after surgery. Reducing dietary cholesterol and drugs that increase cholesterol stone solubility are key therapeutic approaches in treating hepatolithiasis. This article discusses the cholesterol metabolic pathways related to the pathogenesis of hepatolithiasis, as well as food intake and targeted therapeutic drugs.