PREVALENCE OF CHOLELITHIASIS IN A LIVING SAUDI ADULT FEMALE-POPULATION (ULTRASONIC STUDY)

Objective: To study the prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones in livin g adult females. Design: Prospective hospital-based study of 8 months' duration. Subject: Randomly selected asymptomatic adult females prese nted to King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah Outpatient clinic. Methods: All asymptomatic patients were examined ultrasonically to prove the pr esence or absence of gallstones. Some associated risk factors (age, pa rity, pills) were examined. Results: Forty nine percent of all samples had asymptomatic gallstones. Asymptomatic gallstones were significant ly associated (p less than .05) with old age, diabetes and multiparous . Conclusions: The prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones in our commun ity is among the lowest in the world. However, more in-depth epidemiol ogical studies are required.