A Descriptive Study Of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Findings In Symptomatic Gallstone Disease Patients

Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) is a prevalent hepatobiliary disorder characterized by the formation of cholesterol or pigment stones within the gallbladder or biliary tree. While ultrasonography (USG) is the standard diagnostic tool for cholelithiasis, many patients experience persistent symptoms such as biliary colic, dyspepsia, and upper abdominal discomfort, even after cholecystectomy. These ongoing symptoms, known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS), may be related to undiagnosed upper gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, which can be effectively detected by preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). Objectives: To determine the frequency of upper GI abnormalities in patients with USG-confirmed gallstone disease and evaluate the diagnostic utility of preoperative UGIE in identifying associated GI conditions among symptomatic patients scheduled for elective cholecystectomy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care center and included 36 patients with symptomatic GSD. All participants underwent preoperative UGIE. Data were collected using structured questionnaires detailing demographics, clinical symptoms, and endoscopic findings. Results: Significant upper GI abnormalities were identified in 64% of patients, while 36% had normal UGIE findings. Gastritis was the most frequent abnormality (36%), followed by duodenitis (20%), reflux esophagitis (16%), hiatus hernia (10%), and duodenal ulcers (2%). Older patients (51–70 years) were more likely to have abnormal findings. Gastritis was more prevalent in males (50%), whereas duodenitis was more common in females (23.7%). No significant gender difference was observed for hiatus hernia or reflux esophagitis. Conclusion: A high prevalence of upper GI abnormalities in GSD patients suggests many symptoms may be due to coexisting gastric or duodenal disorders. Routine preoperative UGIE is recommended to improve patient management and reduce persistent PCS.