Exploring the association: A Retrospective study on hypothyroidism and gallstone disease

Abstract Background: Gallbladder stones are a common biliary disorder with multiple contributing factors. Thyroid hormones influence gallbladder motility and lipid metabolism, and hypothyroidism has been proposed as a potential factor in gallstone formation due to its role in bile stasis and altered cholesterol metabolism. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether hypothyroidism is associated with the formation of a specific type of gallstone—cholesterol or pigment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with gallstone disease who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were categorized into two groups based on thyroid function: Group A (n=50, Euthyroid) and Group B (n=50, Hypothyroid). Postoperative analysis was performed to determine gallstone composition, and statistical comparisons were made between the two groups. Results: In Group A (Euthyroid patients), 27 had pigment stones and 23 had cholesterol stones, while in Group B (Hypothyroid patients), 20 had pigment stones and 30 had cholesterol stones. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test resulted in a χ² value of 1.38 and a p-value of 0.24, indicating no significant correlation between thyroid dysfunction and the type of gallstone formed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although gallstones may be more prevalent in patients with hypothyroidism, the findings suggest that thyroid dysfunction does not influence the composition of gallstones. Therefore, hypothyroidism is not an independent risk factor for the formation of either cholesterol or pigment stones.