Cholecystectomy in Danish children--a nationwide study
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Updated: May 1, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Karen Oline Langballe1, Linda Bardram1
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and transplantation, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Pediatric cholecystectomy outcomes in Denmark show high success rates. This study found low morbidity, no mortality, and quick discharges for children undergoing gallbladder removal for gallstone disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Public health
Background:
- Cholecystectomy rates in children have increased.
- Indications now include gallbladder dyskinesia, not just gallstones.
- The first nationwide study on pediatric cholecystectomy outcomes in Denmark was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the outcomes of cholecystectomies performed in children in Denmark.
- To analyze data from the national Danish Cholecystectomy Database (DCD).
Main Methods:
- Combined administrative data (National Patient Registry) and clinical data from the DCD.
- Included children aged 15 years or younger from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010.
Main Results:
- 196 pediatric cholecystectomies (0.5% of total) were performed; median age 14, 82% girls.
- Laparoscopic approach used in 97%, with a 0.5% conversion rate.
- 91% discharged within 3 days without readmission; low morbidity, no bile duct lesions, zero 30-day mortality.
Conclusions:
- Nationwide outcomes demonstrate high quality of pediatric cholecystectomy.
- Procedures adhered to national guidelines for symptomatic gallstone disease.
- No need to expand indications beyond gallstone disease was observed.
Background:
An increase in the frequency of cholecystectomy in children has been described during the last decades. Part of the reason is that more cholecystectomies in children are performed for dyskinesia of the gallbladder and not only for gallstone disease. We conducted the first nationwide study to describe outcome of cholecystectomies performed in children in Denmark by using data from the national Danish Cholecystectomy Database (DCD).
Methods:
In the DCD, two data sources were combined: administrative data from the National Patient Registry (NPR) and clinical data entered into the secure Web site by the surgeon immediately after the operation. In the present analysis, we have included children ≤ 15 years from the five year period January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010.
Results:
In the study period 35,444 patients were operated with a cholecystectomy. Of these, 196 (0.5%) were ≤ 15 years. The median age was 14 years, and 82% were girls. Predisposing medical factors for gallstones (despite obesity) were found in only 5%. More than 50% were overweight, and one third were obese. Ninety-seven percent of the operations were completed laparoscopically, and the conversion rate was 0. 5%. Nearly half of the operations (45%) were performed as same day surgery, and 80% of the children stayed in hospital 0-1 day without readmission. 91% were discharged within 3 days and not readmitted. Morbidity was low, and no bile duct lesions occurred. The 30 day mortality was zero.
Conclusion:
Our nationwide outcome results indicate good quality with 91% of the patients discharged within 3 days without readmission, no bile duct injuries, and no mortality. All patients except two were operated for symptomatic gallstone disease in accordance to the Danish national guidelines. We have not experienced a demand or a need to expand the indications for cholecystectomy beyond gallstone disease.