Historical perspectives on choledocholithiasis: the pioneering contribution of Dr. George Berci

Choledocholithiasis remains a common disease process to treat in modern medicine, but few are aware of its fascinating history. Starting with the preliminary understandings of ancient civilizations, significant strides in anatomic and pathologic characterization were made during the 16-18th centuries. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the first cholecystectomy was performed, crossing an important surgical milestone that opened the door to further biliary intervention. Diagnostic advances were made and imaging techniques improved in the twentieth century, notably with Dr. George Berci's groundbreaking advancement of cholangiography and performance of the first endoscopic common bile duct exploration. The development of endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the 1970s and the introduction of laparoscopy brought the management of biliary disease into the modern era. In the future, we look towards improvements in safety, imaging techniques, instrumentation, and teaching strategies, among others, to further the field. In this article, we review the history of choledocholithiasis and the medical pioneers, importantly Dr. George Berci, who revolutionized the endoscopic and surgical treatment of this disease.