[Cholecystectomy in Norway 1990-2002].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate cholecystectomy incidence and laparoscopy rates in Norway (1990-2002).


METHODS
Data were compiled from the Norwegian Patient Registry based on codes for cholecystectomy.


RESULTS
From 1990 to 2000-02, age-adjusted incidence rate (per 10,000 inhabitants) for cholecystectomy increased from 2.9 to 4.1 for men and from 7.0 to 11.8 for women. Incidence rates varied between counties. The proportion undergoing laparoscopic surgery increased from 1% in 1990 to 89% in 2000-02. Over the same period the length of postoperative inpatient stay decreased from 7.3 days to 3.3 days. 94% of electively admitted patients were operated by laparoscopic technique in 2000-02. Among patients admitted on an emergency basis, women below 50 were more often operated by laparoscopic technique than older women and men.


CONCLUSIONS
Substantial changes in the treatment of gallstone disease occurred in Norway over the period 1990 -2002. Increased incidence rates for cholecystectomy and reduced length of postoperative inpatient stay were observed after the introduction of cholecystectomy by laparoscopic technique.
Seksjon for epidemiologisk forskning, SINTEF Helse, 7465 Trondheim. inger.j.bakken@sintef.no
Inger Johanne
IJ
Bakken
Finn Egil
FE
Skjeldestad
Odd
O
Mjåland
Egil
E
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012042:Registries