Gallbladder and biliary interventional radiology

The past ten years have seen the introduction of a number of new techniques for the treatment of biliary diseases. In this report, we discuss the roles of both extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and percutaneous treatment of gallstones, and we emphasize the changing role of these techniques since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The literature on chemical cholecystectomy is reviewed with particular reference to experience in humans. Biliary endoprosthesis using expandable metallic stents is discussed in patients with benign and malignant biliary obstruction. Finally, we review the role of interventional radiologic procedures on liver transplant patients.