Increased rate of cholecystectomy after introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Saudi Arabia.

A rapid increase in the rate of cholecystectomy was reported in eastern Saudi Arabia between 1977 and 1986. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rate of cholecystectomy in the same region was still rising after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From 1987 to 1995 a total of 24 hospitals in eastern Saudi Arabia were surveyed using a questionnaire. During the 9-year study period, the rate of total cholecystectomy (open and laparoscopic) increased by 91%. Whereas the cholecystectomy rate decreased by 4% per annum from 1987 to 1990, it increased by 63.7% from 1991 to 1995 after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The increase in the rates of cholecystectomy was observed in all age groups and both sexes. Cholecystectomy was, however, most frequent among the age group 45-64 years followed by the age group 25-44 years. Young and female patients were more likely to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy than the open procedure. The rise in cholecystectomy rate deserves further evaluation with regard to the following: reasons for the increased rate of cholecystectomy, cholecystectomy-related morbidity and mortality, and the total costs of cholecystectomy.

Radiological manifestations of madura foot in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

A total of 29 patients with mycologically and histopathologically proven mycetomas were examined for radiological manifestations from April 1984 to March 1996. Twenty cases were actinomycotic mycetomas, while nine were maduromycotic mycetomas. Plain x-rays of the regions of interest were taken in all the cases and CT scan was performed on five selected cases to compare the findings. Soft tissue changes were observed in all the examined cases, while bony changes were observed in 16 (55.7%). CT scan is useful for showing soft tissue changes, erosion and destruction of bone in cases with an early infection only, which cannot be demonstrated in plain radiographs.

The second campaign for poliomyelitis vaccination in the eastern province: different strategy with similar success.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the change from the door-to-door strategy of administering the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to designated vaccination points has led to less than optimal vaccination coverage. METHODS: The Second Bi Annual Poliomyelitis Vaccination ended on 28 Rajab 1417N (9 December 1996G). To minimize the high cost in terms of staff and financial resources, the local authority in the Eastern Province offered the vaccinations at various primary health and commercial centers, schools and private hospitals. The WHO cluster sampling technique was used to conduct a survey in the Al-Khobar and Qatif areas to verify the percentage coverage using the new strategy. RESULTS: A total population of 1399 including 644 adults and 755 children (317 Al-Khobar, 438 Qatif) was surveyed. There were 153 children aged less than 5 years in Al-Khobar and 179 in Qatif Of these, 148 (96.7%) in Al-Khobar were vaccinated compared to 179 (100%) in Qatif. Only 5 of the eligible children were not vaccinated, two of whom were Saudis and three non-Saudis. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows an overall percentage coverage of 98.4 in the Eastern Province which is well above the WHO's minimal 80% target for success. This method of vaccination at assigned points may be used in areas where the literacy rate is high and public cooperation is at a maximum.