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Gallstone disease is common in the Western world, and approximately 15,000 cholecystectomies and 9000 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) are performed each year in Sweden. While being safe, the high frequency of these procedures has a significant cumulative impact on health in the community, exceeding those of many complex procedures for malignant conditions. Compliance with established guidelines for gallstone disease management varies and the strength of supporting evidence remains inconsistent. The Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) was launched in May 2005 to monitor outcomes nationwide, to enhance quality of care, and to facilitate population-based research. Continuous feedback to participating units has contributed to improvement in patient care. Since its introduction, laparoscopic procedures have become more prevalent than open cholecystectomies, antibiotic prophylaxis is used more selectively, and the proportion of procedures performed on a day-case basis has increased: all of this despite unchanged healthcare resources. Register-based studies have highlighted the benefits of intraoperative cholangiography, the advantages of centralizing care to high-volume surgeons, endoscopists and units, as well as the impact of surgeon gender on outcomes. Now in its 20th year, GallRiks remains a cornerstone of quality assurance in Swedish gallstone surgery. Research based on register data continues to improve gallstone disease management and shape clinical guidelines and healthcare practice.