Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2004-2013

Gallbladder disease is a common healthcare problem in the U.S. that often results in gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). During the 10-year surveillance period, 20,001 active component service members were identified as incident cases of gallbladder disease. The overall incidence rate of gallbladder disease was 1.4 per 1,000 person-years (p-yrs); the incidence rate increased 32% during the period. During the same period, 15,487 cholecystectomies were performed. A majority were removed laparoscopically (94.4%) and in the outpatient setting (60.3%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomies accounted for fewer hospital bed days than open cholecystectomies. The mean number of days between incident gallbladder disease encounter and cholecystectomy was 40 days among gallbladder disease cases and 82 days among cholecystectomy cases. Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies were more common among females, service members older than 40 years, Hispanics, members of the Air Force, and those in healthcare occupations. Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies are common among active component service members, particularly among those with identified risk factors for gallstone formation.