A Study on Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Diagnosed Cases of Cholelithiasis

Background: Gallstones are a common biliary pathology with varied composition and prevalence patterns globally. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between hypothyroidism and gallstone disease, possibly due to altered lipid metabolism, reduced bile flow, and the influence of thyroid hormones on the sphincter of Oddi. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism among patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis and assess its significance as a potential risk factor. Methods: Across-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, from June 2023 to August 2024. Sixty patients diagnosed with gallstones or common bile duct (CBD) stones were included using purposive sampling. Clinical examination, routine investigations, imaging, and thyroid function tests were performed. Data were analyzed to assess demographic distribution, comorbidities, imaging findings, and thyroid profiles. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.24 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity (21%). Ultrasound findings revealed multiple gallstones in 68% of patients. Hypothyroidism was present in 26.6% of cases (16 out of 60), predominantly affecting females (87.5%) and patients aged 40–49 years. The association was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism may be an important and often overlooked risk factor in the development of gallstones, especially among middle-aged females. Routine thyroid function screening should be considered in this population to facilitate early diagnosis and management of underlying hypothyroidism.