Update: Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2014-2018

The term gallbladder disease refers to a variety of conditions of the gallbladder and the biliary tract. The more common of these conditions are cholelithiasis (gallstones) and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and these conditions often are treated with cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). During the 2014-2018 surveillance period, 8,008 active component service members were identified as incident cases of gallbladder disease. The crude overall incidence rate of gallbladder disease was 1.2 per 1,000 person-years; the crude annual rate decreased very slightly during the period. A total of 6,470 active component service members underwent incident cholecystectomies. Almost all (97.4%) were performed laparoscopically, and the majority were performed in outpatient settings (65.2%). The number of hospital bed days per open cholecystectomy far exceeded those per laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the number of hospital bed days per open cholecystectomy markedly decreased throughout the period. Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies were more common among service members who were female, American Indian/Alaska Native or Hispanic, older, in the Air Force, and in healthcare occupations. Clinicians should continue to advocate for lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and a diet low in fat and cholesterol, that could prevent gallbladder disease. Similarly, continued Department of Defense-wide initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles could also help prevent gallbladder disease and maintain the health of the force.