Modern concepts in the management of biliary stones (gallstones)

Biliary stones or gallstones are concretions formed anywhere in the biliary tree. Asymptomatic gall bladder stones do not need treatment except the conditions mentioned in this article. Symptomatic uncomplicated gall bladder stones may be treated by laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy or by non-surgical methods. Symptomatic complicated gall bladder stones need cholecystectomy or percutaneous cholecystolithotomy. Common bile duct stones once detected should always be removed and only in difficult cases drainage operations should be done. Treatment of some special conditions arising in gallstone disease has been discussed. Prevention of gallstones is in the experimental stage.