The changing pattern of cholelithiasis in Lagos

Colo-rectal carcinoma, diverticular disease and cholecystitis which are prevalent in the industrialised world are very rare in the African population. The last two decades have, however witnessed a big socio-economic change with incorporation of western dietary items, especially in the Nigerian urban areas. Collection of 69 cases of cholecystitis over a five year period contrasts sharply with the earlier reports in Nigeria. The female to male ratio is 5.3 to 1. The age range is 10-66 years, median female 36.9 +/- 11.3 S.D., and male 49 +/- 7.1 S.D. Probable factors contributing to the increased occurrence may include increased admittance to hospitals, incorporation of the western dietary items in the diet of the urbanised Nigerians and oral contraceptive pills.