[Cholecystectomy in Denmark 1989-2003].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe the cholecystectomy rate in Denmark in the last 15 years, since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy might have had an influence on it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis was done of data from the mandatory Danish National Patient Registry, which covers all public hospitals in Denmark. All cholecystectomies performed from 1989 to 2003 in the various hospitals were registered. Open and laparoscopic operations were registered separately. In addition, the number of patients who were operated on for acute cholecystitis from 1996 to 2003 was registered.

RESULTS: An increase in the cholecystectomy rate was observed, from 67/100,000 inhabitants in 1989 to 143/100,000 inhabitants in 2003 (p < 0.05). The increase was due mainly to the number of laparoscopic procedures, which comprised 81% of all cholecystectomies in 2003. The proportion of patients who were operated on for acute cholecystitis decreased from 14% in 1996 to 12% in 2003 (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: The increasing cholecystectomy rate in Denmark from 1989 to 2003 is probably due to the fact that more patients are having surgery for painful gallbladder stones.