- Approximately 10% of people in the United States have gallstones
- Gallstones are more common in women
- The incidence of gallstones increases with age
- Approximately 30% of patients with gallstones will require surgery
- Signs and symptoms of gallbladder disease...
- Include nausea, upper abdominal pain and bloating
- Mimic indigestion or heartburn
- Most usually occur after eating
- Complications of gallbladder disease include infection, gangrene and perforation
- Diabetics with gallstones tend to have more complicated gallbladder disease and should be refereed to a surgeon sooner than non-diabetics
- Roughly 750,000 gallbladders are removed each year
- Most gallbladders are removed laparoscopically
- Experienced gallbladder surgeons usually have lower complication risks
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