Profile of Patients with Gallstone Disease in a Sub-Saharan African General Surgery Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study Protocol

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone disease is a disorder characterised by the formation of stones in the biliary tract. It is the most common biliary condition accounting for more than 98% of all gallbladder and biliary tract disorders. In Africa, previous studies have shown a relative rarity of this condition with a prevalence less than 5%; since it is between 2 and 5 times higher in other continents. A good knowledge of the profile of patient with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. To our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of metabolic factors of gallstone disease. METHODS: This study objective is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic profile of patients with gallstone disease at the Department of General Surgery of Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal). It will be a single-centre retrospective cohort study in a period of 5 years (January 2015 – December 2020). The patients’ record of the department of general surgery will be consulted and the patient contacted if there are missing data. Patients with gallstone disease diagnosed with imaging (ultrasonography and/or CT scan) regardless the presentation (asymptomatic, biliary colic, cholecystitis, common bile duct lithiasis, angio-cholitis, pancreatitis) will be included. Adults and paediatric patients will be enrolled. Patient records lacking sufficient data will be excluded. Studied parameters will be epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Anonymity and confidentiality of information collected in patients will be respected. This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. Finally, it will help to reduce the burden of gallstone disease. HIGHLIGHTS: Gallstone disease is the most common biliary tract condition. To our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of risk factors of gallstone disease (sickle cell disease, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia). Good knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment.