Helicobacter Pylori Infection as Coincidence in Gallbladder Disease: Is It Worth for Routine Testing

Abstract

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the most common presented symptoms to the medical services, and some of them are assumed to be due to cholecystolithiasis. Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) gastritis can cause equal symptoms as cholecystolithiasis. A lot of researches in the field are trying to clarify the misdirection, as this will change the management for cholecystolithiasis patients. Methods: In this retrospective study from October 2018 till July 2019 at Al Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates, a coincidence of having H. pylori infection in the presence of gallstones was investigated, and if a routine testing for H. pylori was done. Results: Total number of 159 cases from different nationalities, majority were United Arab Emirates locals were assembled and investigated. Although the majority of the studied group were not investigated for H.pylori, and around 30 patients were investigated, Results showed a 36% rate of positivity of H.pylori among the investigated people, which is similar to the other researches in this field. Majority of the H.pylori testing were done via antigen stool test analysis, as its inexpensive method, reliable and appropriate. Conclusion: Data showed that still Helicobacter testing is not routinely done, however a high infection rate similar like other studies detected. More awareness and further studies recommended.