Prevalence and management of cholelithiasis: A clinical study

Abstract

Background: Cholelithiasis is a chronic recurrent disease of the hepatobiliary system. The present study determined cases of gall bladder stones. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 75 consecutive cases of cholelithiasis. All patients received antibiotics and routine post- operative care. Patient was properly examined in the postoperative period to note the development in any complication. Patients who undergone lap cholecystectomy were discharged on the third day and open cholecystectomy were discharged on the 7th day, Unless any complications. Patients were advised regarding diet, rest and to visit the surgical OPD for regular follow up. Results: Maximum cases was seen in age group 41-50 years (25) followed by 51-60 years (20). Out of 75 patients, males were 35 and females were 40. Common symptoms was pain in 70, nausea/ vomiting in 35, jaundice in 10 and dyspepsia in 20 patients. USG findings was solitary stone in 20, multiple stones in 60, bile duct stones in 12, thickening of gall bladder in 62, dilated bile duct in 13 and mass in 4 patients. 60 patients undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 15 patients undergone open cholecystectomy. 6 patients had wound infection. 1 patient had post operative bile leak which was managed conservatively and patient recovered. 3 patients had bile duct injury which were repaired on the T-tube. Conclusion: Authors found that the incidence of gallstones was the highest in the 5th and 6th decades of the life with maximum incidence in the 5th decade. Gallstones disease is more common in female. The commonest symptom was pain abdomen and the commonest sign was tenderness in the right hypochondrium. Ultrasonography was the investigation of the choice. It showed multiple gallstones and thickening of the gallbladder in the majority of cases.