Prevalence of Cholelithiasis (Results of an Epidemiologic Investigation in Vidauban, Southeast France)

Cholelithiasis leads to 80,000 cholecystectomiesbeing performed every year in France, but its prevalenceis still unknown. The aim of this study was to assessthe prevalence and risk factors of cholelithiasis in a random population of 1027 women and 727men over the age of 30 in a small town in the southeastof France. Detailed clinical history, dietaryinvestigation, and gallbladder ultrasound were collected for each subject and assessed by univariateanalysis. A regression model was used in themultivariate analysis to detect the relative risk ofcholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis was found in 130individuals (global prevalence 13.9%). The relative riskfor lithiasis was higher in women compared to men(1.89). Age (P 25 (P = 0.013) were also significant risk factors. Neither pregnancy nor oral contraceptive useproved to be risk factors. Typical biliary colic painwas the only symptom significantly associated withcholelithiasis (P < 0.0001). These results show that the prevalence of gallstones in France issimilar to that in Denmark and Italy.