Influence of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on the Prevalence of Operations for Gallstones in Norway

Abstract

Treatment trends show a pronounced increase in laparoscopic operations, and at the same time fewer open operations. The total number of operations has increased slightly in Norway. The prevalence of operations for gallstones in Norway is the lowest reported in Western Europe. The overall number of gallstone operations in Norway is relatively small. The increase in the number of operations for gallstones in Norway was mainly caused by the increase in laparoscopic cholecystectomies. After a steady rise, there was a fall in the number of endoscopic procedures for common bile duct stones during the last year. At the same time, however, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was introduced in Norway. The prevalence of gallstone disease in the population studied seems to have had little influence on the incidence of operations. Many Norwegian patients with gallstone disease who could benefit from operation are probably not being offered surgical treatment today, but are treated in an expectant manner instead.