Gallstones

Gallstones are responsible for many of the most commonly encountered conditions in general surgical practice. Although up to 80% of individuals with gallstones remain asymptomatic, patients may present with anything from a minor irritation with biliary colic to a major life-threatening illness due to secondary complications or sepsis. Complications of gallstone disease include acute cholecystitis, gangrene of the gallbladder, obstructive jaundice, gallstone ileus and acute pancreatitis. This review characterizes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of gallstone-related disease as well as the presentation and clinical management of a range of pathologies.