DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF CLINICAL EXAMINATION AND RADIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON DISEASES RELATED TO THE GALL BLADDER, KEEPING PREOPERATIVE FINDINGS AS STANDARD ENTITY

Background & Objective: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination and radiological investigations in gallbladder-related diseases, using per-operative findings as the standard entity. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Adult patients presenting with suspected gallbladder disease and undergoing cholecystectomy were included. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and preoperative radiological investigations, primarily ultrasonography. Per-operative findings documented during cholecystectomy were considered the reference standard. The diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination and radiological investigations was assessed by comparing preoperative findings with operative diagnoses. Results: Radiological investigations demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy compared to clinical examination alone. Ultrasonography showed high sensitivity in detecting gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Clinical examination was less reliable, particularly in chronic and complicated gallbladder disease. Discrepancies between preoperative and perioperative findings were observed in cases with dense adhesions, chronic cholecystitis, and complicated disease. Conclusion: Clinical examination alone has limited diagnostic accuracy for gallbladder diseases. Radiological investigations, especially ultrasonography, significantly enhance preoperative diagnostic precision; however, per-operative findings remain the most reliable standard for definitive diagnosis. A combined clinical and radiological approach is recommended to optimize surgical decision-making and patient outcomes.