Sonographic evaluation of gallbladder dimension in healthy adults of a South-Eastern Nigerian population

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the gallbladder dimension in healthy adults of Abakaliki Area of Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Sixty healthy adult volunteers, consisting of thirty one (31) males and t wenty nine (29) females were assessed by ultrasound followin g an overnight fast. They were students and staff of Ebonyi State University and their age varied from 18 – 41 years. Gallbladder Len gth, Width, Height, Wall Thickness and anthropometric variables (Body Height and Weight) were measured for each subject . Gallbladder volume was calculated by the ellipsoid formula. The result shows the mean values of the parameters as follows: Weight 63.2 ± 8.15 kg, Height 1.68 ± 0.07 m, BMI 22.6 ± 2.85 kg/m2, Gallbladder Wall Thickness 0.28 ± 0.06 cm, Gallbladder Width 3.33 ± 0.92 cm, Gallbladder Height 2.71 ± 0.79 cm, Gallbladder Length 5.54 ± 0.53cm and Gallbladder Volume 19.78 ± 9.63 cm3. The study is relevant for medical advice an d reference purposes.