Epidemiology of Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis in Brazil: an analysis of hospital admissions in the last 5 years

Abstract

Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis cases represent a serious public health problem, being responsible for high mortality and hospitalization rates in Brazil. This study analyzed hospitalizations for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in Brazil between 2019 and 2023, based on data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of DATASUS. Hospitalizations for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in Brazil showed a significant increase between 2019 and 2023, totaling 1,389,494 cases in the period. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of hospitalizations (27.29%), while in 2020 it had the lowest rate (13.63%). The Southeast region concentrated most of the cases (38.34%), with São Paulo leading the hospitalizations, followed by Minas Gerais. The age group most affected was between 40 and 49 years (20.99%), with a predominance of females (76.35%). Regarding color/race, the brown population represented the largest percentage (44.34%), however, there was a significant lack of information (14.55%). The continuous growth in cases highlights the need for preventive strategies and early screening, in addition to strengthening access to health services, aiming to reduce complications and hospital overload associated with the disease in Brazil.