Global Burden of Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Diseases

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology has revealed a significant global health burden due to gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, including benign and malignant conditions. The study aimed to evaluate epidemiological trends and risk factors, forecasting future trajectory. The findings highlight substantial regional, socioeconomic, age, and sex differences in disease prevalence, incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The estimated annual percentage change from 1990 to 2021 showed a decline in age-standardized incidence and mortality rates, but gallbladder and biliary tract diseases still impose a considerable health burden worldwide.
  • At a regional level, higher socio-demographic index was linked to increased age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and incidence rate (ASIR) for both benign gallbladder and biliary (BGB) and malignant neoplasms of the gallbladder and biliary tract (MGB).
  • Central Europe reported the highest ASPR and ASIR among BGB patients, while the High-income Asia Pacific region demonstrated the highest ASPR, ASIR, and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) for MGB.
  • Individual countries with the highest ASPR among those with BGB in 2021 were Honduras, Mexico, and Romania, while the Republic of Korea reported the highest ASPR for MGB.
  • Female patients were more frequently affected by BGB than males.
  • Despite a decline in age-standardized incidence and mortality rates, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases still pose significant health challenges globally.

Statistics:

  • Estimated annual percentage change in age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) from 1990 to 2021: -0.5% (BGB), -0.2% (MGB)
  • Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for biliary gallbladder in 2021: highest in Central Europe
  • Age-standardized death rate (ASDR) for malignant neoplasms of the gallbladder and biliary tract in 2021: highest in the High-income Asia Pacific region
  • Countries with the highest age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) among those with BGB in 2021: Honduras (13.64%), Mexico (12.59%), Romania (11.23%)
  • Countries with the highest age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) for malignant neoplasms of the gallbladder and biliary tract in 2021: Republic of Korea (14.64%)

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology Release New Data on Surgery (Global, regional, and national burden of gallbladder and biliary tract diseases: A systematic analysis of prevalence, incidence, deaths, and ...). Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week. November 2, 2025; p 1632.
  • Global, regional, and national burden of gallbladder and biliary tract diseases: A systematic analysis of prevalence, incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years with projections to 2050. Annals of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgery, 2025.