Decreasing frequency of cholecystectomies in the counties of Stockholm and Uppsala, Sweden.

The frequency of cholecystectomies was followed in the counties of Stockholm and Uppsala during an eight-year period (1969--1976). In both counties there was a highly significant decrease. This was mostly marked for males under 50 and females under 40 years in Stockholm and for females, regardless of age, in Uppsala. It is unlikely that these figures represent a decrease in the prevalence of gall-stone disease even if a small change is possible. A major alteration in the financing system of out-patient care has taken place during the investigated period and this has probably had an important influence on the cholecystectomy rate. Another important factor may be the consideration of a etiological factors other than gall-stones for minor abdominal disorders.