frequency of silent gallbladder stones in female patients: ultrasonic study

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the frequency of silent gallstones among Yemeni female patients, and to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of silent gallstones among them. In this study, 202 female patients, with age ranging between 25-60 years, were examined ultrasonically to prove the presence or absence of gallstones. Some associated risk factors, such as age, BMI, parity, and diabetes mellitus were examined. Silent gallstones were found in proportion of 11.88% and more frequently among females over forty years old, obese and with diabetes mellitus. There was no significant relation between gallstones detection and parity in this study. In conclusion, old age, diabetes and obesity were found to be risk factors for developing gallstones among Yemeni females. Thus, a careful screening of obese, diabetic's female patients for the presence of gallstones and their elective surgical removal or medical dissolution should be recommended in order to prevent the need for crises intervention