To Determine the Association Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gallstone Disease

Objectives: To investigate the potential association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infection and the occurrence of gallstone disease. To correlate the association between investigations and H. pylori as it is well-known gastric pathogen,has been hypothesized to contribute to gallstone formation through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation,altered bile composition, and direct colonization of the biliary system. Material and Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted at Shree Krishna Hospital and Pramukh Swami Medical College, Karamsad, a tertiary care center serving a rural population in Gujarat, India. This study included 200 adult patients (aged 18–75 years) presenting with symptoms suggestive of gallstone disease. Diagnosis was confirmed through abdominal ultrasonography (USG). All participants were evaluated for H. pylori infection using serum IgG antibody testing. Data on clinical symptoms, ultrasound findings, and H. pylori status were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of the 200 patients studied, 59% were found to have gallstones. A considerable proportion of these patients also tested positive for H. pylori infection. A statistically significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and postprandial upper abdominal heaviness (p = 0.003). Additionally, gallstones were significantly associated with postprandial upper abdominal pain (p = 0.001) and vomiting (p = 0.025). The prevalence of H. pylori was notably higher among patients with gallstones, suggesting a possible pathogenic role. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a potential link between H. pylori infection and gallstone disease. The observed associations support the hypothesis that H. pylori may play a contributory role in gallstone pathogenesis. These results warrant further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore whether eradication of H. pylori could serve as a preventive or therapeutic strategy in gallstone disease management.