Association of Gallstone-Induced Pancreatitis with Gallstone Characteristics

Background

Gallstone disease is among the most prevalent hepatobiliary disorders worldwide and represents a leading etiology of acute pancreatitis. While gallstones are a well-established cause of pancreatitis, the precise influence of gallstone characteristics particularly size and number on the occurrence and severity of gallstone-induced pancreatitis remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the association between gallstone characteristics and gallstone induced pancreatitis, and to compare these findings between patients with and without pancreatitis. Subjects and Methods: A hospital-based observational analytical study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India. A total of 184 participants were enrolled: 92 patients with gallstone-induced pancreatitis (cases) and 92 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease without pancreatitis (controls). Gallstone size and number were assessed by abdominal ultrasonography. Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was established using the Revised Atlanta Classification. Statistical associations were determined using Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.