DOES GALLSTONE DISEASE MORBIDITY-MORTALITY DIFFER BETWEEN SEXES?

Abstract

1207 patients underwent surgical treatment for gallstones, were reviewed in regard of stone complications, intra and postoperative problems and mortality rate between females and males.

949 patients were female (78.6%), 258 male (21.4%). 18.2 percent of females and 33.7 percent of males experienced one of the complications related to gallstones (p<0.001). The incidence of common bile duct stones, jaundice and acute cholecystitis were found to be significantly higher in the male patients (p<0.001). Postoperative complication rate was significantly higher (p<0.01) in males than females (1.0 vs 3.9 percent). Postoperative mortality rate was 0.5% for females and 1.2% for males (p>0.1).

These results suggest that the gallstones in males possess a higher risk and should be managed immediately when diagnosed.