title: Watchful waiting is reasonable for gallstone symptoms.
abstract: Not all patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis require surgery. Nearly half of patients with symptomatic but uncomplicated gallstone disease can be managed successfully with observation and minor dietary changes. This option is a safe one we can offer our patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville VA USA. mno3p@virginia.edu
authors.forename: M Norman
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Oliver