[Cholecystolithiasis in the urban population of Poland]

Multicentre study was carried out in three regions of Poland aimed to assess cholecystolithiasis incidence in urban population and some potential risk factors of the disease. 10133 persons in five age groups, from 16 to 70 (6071 women and 4062 men) were examined. The examination consisted of questionnaire considered sex, age, weight, dietary habits, complaints, chronic drugs use, family history and in women number of pregnancies and deliveries as well as hormone therapy. The results obtained were analysed statistically with Chi 2 test. Cholecystolithiasis was found in 1411 persons (10.7%), among them 18% women (1083 women) and 8.2% men (328 men). Incidence rate was 180.5/1000 women and 82.0/1000 men. The obtained increase in percentage of cholecystolithiasis cases with age was statistically significant. No relation were found between the number of stones and sex of the examined persons. In 1480 persons (43.5%0 the disease was asymptotic. The studies did not prove the correlation between cholecystolithiasis in women and sex of the first child or oral contraception. Positive correlation was found between cholecystolithiasis in women, obesity, number of pregnancies and family history. In men age was most significant risk factor. Incidence of cholecystolithiasis in Poland, Western Europe and USA is similar.