A Study of Gallstones Disease incidence in Babylon's Province population

Background :There are multiple disorders affecting the biliary system . Malignancies,congenital anomalies, dysfunctional disorders, infections, strictures and gallstones formation are some of the spectrum of diseases affecting the biliary system. Yet, gallstones formation with its associated complications is a commonest disorder occupying the top in the spectrum of the biliary system diseases. Objectives :This study tries to assess and analyse the incidence of gallstones disease in Babylon's Province population. It also attempts to identify and evaluate the predisposing risk factors associated with this disease. Comparison of local results with those from other parts of the world had been reviewed and investigated. Methods :Medical records of (257) patients who underwent laparoscopic and/or open cholecystectomy for their symptomatic gallstones proved by abdominal ultrasonography and/or computer assisted tomography over a period of three years in Al-Hilla General Teaching Hospital had been reviewed and analysed. All cases of gallstones disease which had been managed medically had been excluded from this study. Results :An incidence of (12%) of gallstones disease among Babylon's Province population had been disclosed according to this study. The female to male ratio revealed to be of (6:1). The peak incidence of the disease was in the fourth decade of life. An increasing incidence of the disease among patients less than (30) years old had been demonstrated.