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.

Intestinal obstruction in Nigerian children.

A 10-yr review of acute intestinal obstruction in 280 Nigerian children reveals that the condition is the major cause of surgical emergencies in Nigerian children, as in children of other developing countries. These are significant differences of pediatric intestinal obstruction in developing countries, as compared with the pattern in other parts of the world. Intussuscaption was the leading cause followed by incarcerated or strangulated hernia.