Epidemiological study in operated patients with cholelithiasis and analysis of risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: Cholelithiasis is a very common gall bladder disease in India especially in northern area which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Cholelithiasis is more common in adult population and its incidence increases with age. Most common risk factors associated with cholelithiasis are female sex, rapid weight loss, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hormone therapy and oral contraceptives use etc. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preferred over the open approach in symptomatic and asymptomatic cholelithiasis.

Methods: 171 operated patients of cholelithiasis were included in this study. All the relevant details were obtained from medical record department with all demographic details.

Result: Highest number of patients of cholelithiasis (59.6%) belongs to the middle age group of 41-60 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.7 with female preponderance. Patients with middle socioeconomic status were most commonly affected group (45.0%). Most of the patients were symptomatic in past with history of symptoms of cholecystitis (78.9%). Risk factors commonly associated with cholelithiasis are increasing age, female gender, family history or genetics, obesity, rapid weight loss, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, drugs like ceftiaxone, octreotide and thiazide diuretics, total parenteral nutrition or fasting, diseases like cirrhosis, chronic hemolysis and ileal Crohn's disease. In the present study, 63.15% patients were operated with open cholecystectomy method and 36.8% patients with laparoscopic approach.

Conclusion: Cholelithiasis is associated with multiple risk factors. Cholelithiasis can be easily diagnosed in ultrasonography of abdomen and early diagnosis may be beneficial for patients as this may be treated with conservative or operative management, prior to the development of complications.