epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Gallstones are commonly seen in the Western world with approximately 5-25% of adults being affected (1).

  • in the UK around 10-15% of the adult population are estimated to have gallstones (2)
  • a higher prevalence is also seen amongst women, and older age group (1)
    • they are found in about 20% of women and 10% of men at the age of 60 (3).
  • in Western society the majority are either cholesterol or mixed cholesterol / calcium bilirubin stones.

Most patients with gallstones are asymptomatic and only about 10% will develop symptoms five years after discovery (2).

Approximately one million new patients present with the symptoms of gallstones each year in the USA. Their treatment costs around one billion dollars.

Cholesterol or mixed stones are more common in the USA and Europe (around 80%) while in Asia, 80% are pigment stones (4)

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