The incidence of gallstones in Greece; an autopsy study

In the fifty-year period, from 1925 to 1974, 6596 autopsies were performed at three departments of Pathology in Athens. The incidence of gallstones was 5.97% in the total material. The incidence in females was 8.86% and in males 4.52%, with a ratio 2:1. An increase of the incidence has been noticed since 1925. Under the presented data Greece could be included among the countries with an intermediate frequency of gallstones, but with a tendency to follow the Western countries pattern. The significance of the Greek standard of living and the dietary surveys on the gallstone formation, are briefly discussed.