Comparative Study of Clinical Profile in Patients with Solitary Versus Multiple Gallstones

Clinical Profile in Solitary versus Multiple Gallstones

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical profile of patients with solitary gallstones versus those with multiple gallstones.
Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, from March 2023 to February 2024 and evaluated 127 patients diagnosed with gallstones via convenience sampling. Demographic information, clinical presentations, including detailed pain characteristics and preoperative ultrasound findings, were recorded. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the number of stones in the gallbladder: Group A (solitary stone) and Group B (multiple stones). Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean age was 47.10±14.11 years, with a female predominance (79.5% females vs 20.5% males). Gallstones were more common in patients aged 30 to 45 years. Preoperative ultrasound showed a solitary stone in 29 patients (22.8%) and multiple stones in 98 (77.2%). Group A demonstrated a higher proportion of thick-walled gallbladders and stone impactions. Group A patients predominantly reported colicky pain localized to the right hypochondrium, whereas Group B patients experienced dull or constant pain in the epigastrium. Secondary symptoms, like dyspepsia, vomiting, and fever, showed no significant differences.
Conclusion: The clinical profiles are similar between groups except for the site and nature of pain. Distinct variations exist in preoperative ultrasound findings, with solitary stones showing a higher proportion of thick-walled gallbladders and neck impactions.