Measurement of Lead Concentration in the Blood of Patients UndergoingAppendectomy and Cholecystectomy

Lead poisoning is a life-threatening condition due to its acute and chroniceffects.Therefore, preventive methods are very important to prevent the multiple toxic effects of thismetal.Due to the lethal effects of lead and its increasing concentration in the environment, this studywas designed and performed to measure the concentration of lead in the blood and tissue of patientsundergoing appendectomy and cholecystectomy.

In a cross-sectional study that was performed on patients with appendectomy or cholecystectomyin Razi Hospital in Ahvaz during a period of twelve months from May 2019 to May 2020. Weexamined 120 patients in three groups of appendectomy (n=40), cholecystectomy (n=40) and control(n=40).Blood samples were taken from all three groups. Then, after the operation, a pathology samplewas taken from the appendix or gallbladder from patients in two groups who underwent appendectomyand cholecystectomy. X-ray Imaging was used to check for lead.

Our results show well the mean blood lead concentration in the appendectomy group. In thecholecystectomy group and in the control group, the difference between the three groups was statisticallysignificant (P<0.001). Also, lead was found in 21 samples (52.5%) from the appendectomy groupand lead in 23 samples(57.5%) from the cholecystectomy group, but this difference was not statisticallysignificant. (P= 0.175).

Based on the results of this study, it can be said that chronic exposure and lead poisoning mayplay a role in the occurrence and change of gallstones and appendicitis.