Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy
03:56

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

Published on: September 13, 2022

Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis

E L Taylor1, T M Harrington

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham.

Primary Care
|March 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis are significant health issues. Cholecystectomy is the primary treatment for symptomatic gallstones and acute cholecystitis, with other options available for non-surgical candidates.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Surgical Treatment of Gallbladder Disease

Background:

  • Cholelithiasis (gallstones) and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) represent substantial public health concerns in the U.S.
  • Complications arising from these conditions necessitate effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic options for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.
  • To highlight the need for improved understanding of gallstone formation for preventive measures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established treatment protocols for gallstone-related diseases.
  • Discussion of surgical and non-surgical therapeutic modalities.

Main Results:

  • Cholecystectomy is the standard surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstones and acute cholecystitis.
  • Observation is recommended for asymptomatic gallstones; surgery is indicated for biliary pain, pancreatitis, or common duct stones.
  • Dissolution therapy and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy are alternatives for non-surgical candidates.

Conclusions:

  • Current management focuses on surgical intervention for symptomatic disease.
  • Further research into gallstone etiology is crucial for developing preventive strategies and reducing disease incidence.

More Related Videos

Application of Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in Primary Choledochal Suture during Combined Two-lens Surgery04:03

Application of Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in Primary Choledochal Suture during Combined Two-lens Surgery

Published on: March 28, 2025

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults04:14

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults

Published on: February 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...