[Gallbladder lithiasis in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Gallstones are a very common disease, present in at least 10% of the adult population. In the 70% of the cases gallstones remain silent and in these patients any therapeutical option should be undertaken, nor a periodic biological surveillance. In the remaining cases the insurgence of biliary pain is the typical symptom: pain is usually epigastric, or diffuse to the right upper quadrant or to the back. Indication for therapy should be placed only for symptomatic patients. Nowadays laparoscopic cholecystectomy must be considered as the golden standard for symptomatic patients carrying non complicated gallstones.