title: Biliary pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gallstones are a common cause of abdominal pain. Gallstones are present in 20% of women and 8% of men, but might not cause symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article discusses the aetiology of biliary colic and related disorders. The differential diagnosis is examined and relevant investigations are outlined. Some less common aspects of this disease complex are described for context.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The only effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy, for which the laparoscopic approach is now the gold standard.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria. smackay@gisurgical.com
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mackay
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dillane
mesh_terms: D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods; D003085:Colic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis