Nonsurgical management of gallstone disease

Citation
De. Howard et H. Fromm, Nonsurgical management of gallstone disease, GASTRO CLIN, 28(1), 1999, pp. 133
Citations number
94
Categorie Soggetti
Gastroenerology and Hepatology
Journal title
GASTROENTEROLOGY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
ISSN journal
08898553 → ACNP
Volume
28
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Database
ISI
SICI code
0889-8553(199903)28:1<133:NMOGD>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Cholelithiasis is a common disease in the US associated with significant mo rbidity. Surgical treatment with cholecystectomy has been increasing with a significant cost to the health care system and is not without risk. Cholec ystectomies are often performed unnecessarily in gallstone patients with no nspecific symptoms. Although cholecystectomy is the mainstay of gallstone t reatment, nonsurgical treatment alternatives, such as bile acid therapy, to pical dissolution, and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (if available) may be used in selected patients. Ln some cases, in particular in the elde rly and in other patients at increased risk from surgery, nonsurgical manag ement offers lower morbidity and mortality than does operative treatment.