Prevalence of cholelithiasis - Results of an epidemiologic investigation in Vidauban, southeast France

Cholelithiasis leads to 80,000 cholecystectomies being performed every year in France, but its prevalence is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of cholelithiasis in a random pop ulation of 1027 women and 727 men over the age of 30 in a small town in the southeast of France. Detailed clinical history, dietary investigation, and gallbladder ultrasound were collected for each subject and assessed by uni variate analysis. A regression model was used in the multivariate analysis to detect the relative risk of cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis was found in 130 individuals (global prevalence 13.9%). The relative risk for lithiasis was higher in women compared to men (1.89). Age (P < 0.0001) and body mass index (BMI) >25 (P = 0.013) were also significant risk factors. Neither pre gnancy nor oral contraceptive use proved to be risk factors. Typical biliar y colic pain was the only symptom significantly associated with cholelithia sis (P < 0.0001). These results show that the prevalence of gallstones in F rance is similar to that in Denmark and Italy.