CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF CHOLECYSTITIS PATIENTS IN NORTH INDIAN POPULATION: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cholecystitis, an acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder usually caused by cholelithiasis, is a common digestive disorder presenting with right upper quadrant pain, nausea, or vomiting. Risk factors include female gender, age, obesity, inactivity, pregnancy, and rapid weight loss. Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic tool, while early laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduces complications and hospital stay. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with cholecystitis to improve diagnosis and management. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow. A total of 160 adult patients with clinical and radiological evidence of cholecystitis were included. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory parameters, imaging findings, management, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among 160 patients, 71.9% were female, with the 31–40 years age group most common [40%]. Lower middle [37.5%] and upper lower [26.3%] socioeconomic classes predominated. Overweight and obese patients comprised 58.76% of the cohort. Right upper quadrant pain [81.9%] was the most frequent symptom. Ultrasound showed gallbladder wall thickening >3 mm in 40%, single stones in 78.8%, and mean CBD diameter of 7.84 ± 1.57 mm. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 96.25% of patients, with low intraoperative complications [6.3%] and minimal postoperative morbidity. Clinical symptoms correlated significantly with radiological findings [p<0.05]. Conclusion: This study offers important regional insights into the epidemiological characteristics of cholecystitis, highlighting its predominance among middle-aged females from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and reaffirming laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a safe and highly effective primary treatment modality.