[Alternatives to cholecystectomy]

Watchful waiting is the most important alternative to cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. Symptom relief occurs in a large percentage of the patients, and the risk of developing complications is relatively small. However, in patients with a long life expectancy the cumulative risk may be significant, which must be taken into consideration. Extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy and medical treatment play a very small role in the treatment, and only on very special indications. The results of these methods are relatively poor and associated with a high recurrence rate.