Epidemiology and Outcomes of Symptomatic Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis in the USA: Trends and Urban–Rural Variations

Abstract

BackgroundGallstone disease remains a major health issue. There have been significant changes in the management and demographics of patients with these conditions. We aimed to evaluate trends in hospitalization, management, and post-procedural adverse events for patients with gallstone disease. MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample was used to identify discharges for symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis between 2005 and 2014. Temporal trends were evaluated by calculating annual percent changes (APCs). Joinpoint regression was used to assess inflection points. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate associations between urban and rural divisions and mortality, use of interventional procedures, and post-procedural adverse events. ResultsFrom 77,394,755 unweighted discharges, there was a decline in discharges for cholelithiasis (APC − 5.5%, 95% confidence intervals, CI, − 7.6 to − 3.4%) and cholecystitis from 2012 to 2014 (APC − 4.5%, 95% CI − 7.2 to − 1.7%). Interventions were more likely at urban hospitals for symptomatic cholelithiasis (odds ratio, OR, 1.49, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.66) and cholecystitis (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.05). In-hospital mortality significantly decreased annually for patients with cholecystitis (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.93). In-hospital mortality between rural and urban centers was comparable for symptomatic cholelithiasis (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.03) and cholecystitis (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.04). ConclusionsHospitalizations for gallstone disease have decreased since the 2010s. In-hospital mortality between urban and rural centers is similar, but urban hospitals utilize a higher rate of procedural interventions. Future studies should evaluate practice trends and costs across inpatient and ambulatory settings between rural and urban divisions.