COMPARATIVE PERCEPTION OF GALL BLADDER STONES AND KIDNEY STONES AMONG PATIENTS IN MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL PRIVATE PRACTICE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF 500 PARTICIPANTS ojaspotdar@yahoo.con

 

COMPARATIVE PERCEPTION OF GALL BLADDER STONES AND KIDNEY STONES AMONG PATIENTS IN MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL PRIVATE PRACTICE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF 500 PARTICIPANTS

1

India

Oral or Poster

Gall bladder stones (cholelithiasis) and kidney stones (urolithiasis) are among the most common surgical conditions encountered in India. Both may present with abdominal pain, but their pathogenesis, complications, and management differ significantly. While kidney stones are generally perceived as an urgent and painful condition requiring immediate intervention, gall bladder stones often remain asymptomatic until complications arise. Misconceptions and lack of awareness can delay appropriate care.

Aim To compare the awareness, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to gall bladder stones versus kidney stones among patients attending private multi-institutional outpatient clinics. Methods A prospective, questionnaire-based survey was conducted across seven private hospitals and nursing homes in Mumbai over a 9-month period. A total of 500 consecutive patients attending General Surgery and Urology OPDs were enrolled. Data collected included demographic profile, awareness of disease etiology, symptoms, complications, treatment options, and preference for medical vs. surgical/endourological interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression for associations

Results Awareness regarding kidney stones was significantly higher (72%) compared to gall bladder stones (46%). Over 65% of respondents associated kidney stones with severe pain and emergency care, while only 27% identified potential complications of gall bladder stones (e.g., acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis). Misconceptions regarding treatment were common: 58% believed kidney stones could be “dissolved” by medicines, while 61% of gall bladder stone patients preferred conservative or alternative remedies. Younger, educated, and urban patients demonstrated higher awareness levels (p<0.05).

In multi-institutional private practice, patient perception of kidney stones is significantly higher than of gall bladder stones,