Conservative Management of Gallbladder Disease in a Surgical Unit in Khartoum- Sudan

Abstract

Background Gallbladder disease (GBD) is a common presentation to the surgical departments. Gallstone disease is more common in females with increasing age groups. It is rare in childhood with increasing incidence of diagnosing asymptomatic gallstones. Other risk factors include family history advancing sedentary lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, drugs, etc. Patients with GBD have variable attitudes regarding cholecystectomy as the solutions for their pain and hence the rate of cholecystectomy is variable but generally it increased after introduction of laparoscopic surgery. Results A total of 1795 patients representing 9.3% of the total patients presented to the surgical unit in the University of Khartoum Medical and Health Services University Hospital. Male to Female ratio is 2:13. The age is ranging between 14 to 94, mean age 46.5 (± 14.6) years. Median age is 45 years. Most of the patients were treated conservatively; with surgery rate of only 8.0%. Conclusion Most of the patients respond well to conservative management. Cholecystectomy is performed in 2 among 25 patients with GBD.