Observational Study of Role of Preoperative Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in Patients Undergoing Elective Cholecystectomy for Usg Proven Cholelithiasis

Abstract

Background: Cholelithiasis is a common cause of upper abdominal pain; however, overlapping symptoms with other upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may lead to persistent symptoms even after cholecystectomy. Preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDscopy) may help identify concomitant pathologies.

Aim: To evaluate the role of preoperative OGDscopy in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for USG-proven cholelithiasis.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months including 50 symptomatic patients planned for elective cholecystectomy. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, routine investigations, and preoperative OGDscopy. Endoscopic findings were documented, and patients were followed up postoperatively for resolution or persistence of symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between OGD findings and postoperative pain.

Results: The mean age was 43.54 ± 9.94 years, with a female predominance (80%). OGDscopy revealed abnormal findings in 30% of patients, most commonly antral gastritis (22%), followed by lax cardia (6%) and mild gastritis (2%). Postoperatively, 90% of patients showed complete symptom resolution, while 10% had persistent epigastric pain. A significant association was found between abnormal OGD findings and persistent pain (p < 0.001). Notably, no patient with normal OGD findings had postoperative symptoms, whereas 33.3% of patients with abnormal findings experienced persistent pain.

Conclusion: Preoperative OGDscopy is a valuable tool in identifying coexisting upper GI pathologies in patients with cholelithiasis. Its use can help predict postoperative outcomes, reduce persistent symptoms, and improve overall patient management. Routine or selective preoperative OGDscopy is therefore recommended.