Cholelithiasis in children: Seven Years Experience in Antalya Region

Purpose: The aim of this study is the documentation of characteristics of cases diagnosed and followed as cholelithiasis which is quite rare in childhood period. Material and method: Data of 23 cases diagnosed as cholelithiasis in ourclinic between June 1998 and June 2005 were evaluated. Result: Fifteen of cases were female (65.2%) and eight were male (mean age: 8.3±4.7 year). The most important reason of stone formation was hemolytic diseases (43.5%). No underlying reason could be found in 30.4% of cases. About 39% of all cases and 80% of cases with hemolytic diseases (43.5%). No underlying reason could be found in 30.4% of cases. About 39% of all cases and 80% of cases with hemolytic diseases were asymptomatic. Cholecystectomy was performed in nine of 23 cases (39.1%). Multiple stones were detected in 78% of all cases while all patients with hemolytic disease had multiple stones. Stone analysis was not performed in any of patients. Conclusion: Knowledge about cholelithiasis which rarely detected in children is insufficient. Most of cases with hemolytic disease are asymptomatic and gall bladder Stones were detected accidentally. Periodic follow up of these patients is very important. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy must be performed in all symptomatic patients and in patients having Stones larger than 2 cm diameter. Needed significance to stone analysis must be given in our country.