[Cholelithiasis--cholecystectomy and colonic cancer]

(1) In 24,089 autopsy records from 1956 to 1979 we found in 16,653 corpses without gallstones 495 = 2.97%, and in 7,436 corpses with gallstones 266 = 3.57% colorectal cancers.--(2) In 503 corpses with previous cholecystectomy performed more than one year before death we found 17 = 3.38% colorectal cancers.--(3) There is no higher incidence of colorectal cancer after cholecystectomy.--(4) In the corpses with gallstones, cholecystectomy or cirrhosis of the gallbladder there were significantly more cancers in the right hemicolon than in corpses without gallstones.--(5) A synetiology by genetic, epidemiologic or (and) metabolic factors may be possible.--(6) A Co-influence of primary bile acids on the genesis of colorectal cancer is discussed.--(7) In patients over 50 years with gallstones it is mandatory for the surgeon to exclude a co-existing colorectal cancer before performing cholecystectomy.