CURRENT TREATMENT MODALITIES FOR SYMPTOMATIC GALLSTONES

Gallstone disease is an important clinical problem: approximately 10% of all adults in the western population have gallstones. Most gallston es, however, remain asymptomatic, and from various disciplines there i s consensus that only symptomatic gallstones require therapy. Since th e first gallbladder extirpation in 1882, cholecystectomy has been cons idered the gold standard. Nowadays, this operation is performed laparo scopically in most hospitals. Despite relatively low morbidity and mor tality rates, a number of alternative therapies have been developed in the past few years. These alternative treatment modalities are especi ally indicated in high risk patients and in patients rejecting surgery . In this review article, the currently available treatment modalities are discussed.