Biliary pain.
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.
Mackay
Sean
S
St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria. smackay@gisurgical.com
Dillane
Peter
P
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