ABSTRACT
In the last years following the extensive use of ultrasound scanning an increasing number of children with cholelithiasis has been identified. Prevalence of cholelithiasis has been well reported, and frequency of cholecystectomy had been addressed by some investigators. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the management of children with cholelithiasis observed at the Pediatric and Surgical unit linked to the Maternity and Child Teaching Hospital. The records of all patients below age of 14 years, undergoing cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, at Maternity and Child Teaching Hospital in Al- Qadisiya governorate in Iraq, from January 2005 to December 2008 were reviewed. A total of 13 pediatric patients were included in this study. Participants had a mean age of 5.6 years [SD, 2.9 years; range, 2.5-13]. There were 9 female and 4 male patients. Diagnosis of cholelithiasis was performed in all patients by ultrasound exam. All patients underwent cholecystectomy and extensive evaluations for their abdominal pain. The cause for gallbladder disease was identified as personal and familial anamnesis in 4 patients [30.7%]. Intra- and post-surgery course was adequate in all patients, but 2 who had transient complications. In our experience, approach to patients with gallbladder stones was heterogeneous suggesting the need for a common protocol. However, our data show that etiology, sex incidence, diagnosis's modality and management of pediatric patients with gallbladder stones is comparable to previous reported casistics. Pediatricians and pediatric surgeons have to consider that cholelithiasis can occur in children. Common diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up protocols are needed to improve our knowledge on this pediatric disease