When doctors remove extra cholesterol from the muscle cells in the gallbladder of people with gallstones, the gallbladder starts contracting better again—this means the amount of cholesterol in those cells can be turned up or down to fix how well the gallbladder works.

We analyzed the available evidence on whether removing cholesterol from gallbladder muscle cells improves contraction in people with cholesterol stones, and what we’ve found so far suggests this may be possible. One assertion, supported by 20.0 studies or observations, indicates that when excess cholesterol is removed from the muscle cells of the gallbladder, the organ’s ability to contract improves [1]. This implies that the level of cholesterol in those cells might be linked to how well the gallbladder functions, and adjusting it could help restore normal movement. We did not find any studies or claims that contradict this observation. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward the idea that cholesterol buildup in the muscle layer may interfere with the gallbladder’s natural squeezing action, and reducing that buildup could help it work better. However, we note that this conclusion is based on a single assertion with no breakdown of study types, sample sizes, or methods. We don’t know if these findings came from human trials, animal models, or lab observations. The gallbladder is a small organ that stores and releases bile to help digest fats. When it doesn’t contract properly, bile can sit too long and form stones. If cholesterol in the muscle wall is slowing those contractions, removing it might help the organ regain its rhythm. But we don’t yet know how this is done safely in people, how long the effect lasts, or whether it prevents stones from returning. What we’ve found so far is a promising signal — not a confirmed solution. More detailed studies are needed to understand how, when, and for whom this approach might help. For now, if you have cholesterol stones and trouble with gallbladder function, talk to your doctor about what options are being studied — not just what’s been observed in early reports.