The PhD thesis titled "Pediatric Gallstones: Risk Factors; Clinical Presentations; Management and Outcomes" presented by the student Anmar Rahman Kazem, investigated the risk factors contributing to pediatric gallstones, along with the clinical signs, management methods, complications, and outcomes. This thesis was submitted to fulfill the requirements for a PhD degree (Iraqi Board) from the Iraqi Council for Medical Specializations.

The student defended his thesis before a committee of professors and specialists in pediatric surgery, which included:

• Prof. Dr. Haitham Hussein Ali - Consultant in Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Zahraa College of Medicine, University of Basrah - Chair
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Abbas Abdul-Zahra Al-Hassani - Consultant in Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Basrah - Member
• Dr. Thura Kazem Jafar - Consultant in Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Basrah Children's Specialty Hospital - Member
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Sadiq Hassan Kazem - Consultant in Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Zahraa College of Medicine, University of Basrah - Supervisor

The thesis covered several main topics, including:

• The risk factors for pediatric gallstones, encompassing genetic, environmental, health, and dietary factors.
• The most common clinical symptoms and accurate diagnostic methods.
• The management techniques and their effectiveness, along with modern innovations in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and its efficiency.

The thesis recommended the need to improve early diagnosis mechanisms for children at risk of developing gallstones, to develop more effective treatment protocols, and to enhance health awareness among parents and children regarding the risk factors and prevention methods for gallstones. The thesis also emphasized the importance of continuous research in this field to discover more causative factors and effective treatment methods.

The defense session was held in Dr. Ahmed Qassim Al-Shawi Hall at Basrah Children's Specialty Hospital and witnessed a notable attendance from professors, students, and those interested in this field.