CHOLELITHIASIS IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

Objective: Cholelithiasis once was considered as an uncommon problem i n children. This 10-year retrospective review demonstrates that curren tly average gallstones are being diagnosed more frequently and highlig hten its various methods of management. Methods: A total of 24 pediatr ic patients were managed for cholelithiasis. Twenty patients underwent elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. (14 laparoscopic and 6 open). All records were reviewed for clinical and demographic d ata. Results: The mean age of patients was (8.49 years) male to female ration was 9:15. There was no major morbidity or mortality. Ten child ren were sicklers. The average follow-up duration was 10.9 months. Con clusion: It appears that the diagnosis of cholelithiasis in children b ecomes more frequently and the new laparoscopic cholecystetomy is a fe asible and safe approach.