Schistosomal cholecystitis: report of six cases.

Six cases of schistosomal cholecystitis are reported; five also had calculi. Histopathological studies revealed extensive fibrocalcific reaction of the walls and around the cystic ducts. We hypothesise that this fibrosis produced strictures of the cystic duct and stagnation of bile, predisposing to cholelithiasis. Surgeons practising in endemic areas should be aware of this rare complication of chronic schistosomiasis.