Context

Gall bladder disease (specifically gall stones) is the most common abdominal complaint causing hospital admission in the developed world. In the UK, 5.5 million people have gall stones and 50 000 cholecystectomies are performed each year [1].

Gall stones are 2-3 times more common in women than in men at post-mortem [2]. Obesity is the strongest independent risk factor for their development in women [3]. The increased incidence in women is most likely caused by the effect of oestrogen, which promotes the transfer of cholesterol from the blood to the liver [4].

Learning Bite

Gall stones are found in up to 20% of adult females.