[Which patients need gallstone surgery?]

Although gallstone disease is common, few patients develop serious complications. Recent decades have witnessed manifest changes in the frequency of gallstone surgery in Sweden. Although variation in the prevalence of gallstone disease may be one explanation, uncertain indications for gallstone surgery may also be a contributory determinant of the varying cholecystectomy rates. Findings in epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that cholecystectomy should be performed in cases of frequent gallstone symptoms or acute gallstone complications, whereas expectant management is to be recommended in cases of infrequent symptoms or where their link with gallstone problems is in doubt.