title: [Alternatives to cholecystectomy].
abstract: Watchful waiting is the most important alternative to cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. Symptom relief occurs in a large percentage of the patients, and the risk of developing complications is relatively small. However, in patients with a long life expectancy the cumulative risk may be significant, which must be taken into consideration. Extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy and medical treatment play a very small role in the treatment, and only on very special indications. The results of these methods are relatively poor and associated with a high recurrence rate.
authors: Kirurgisk Afdeling A, Odense Universitetshospital, DK-5000 Odense C. famqvist@dadlnet.dk
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Qvist
authors: Thomas Kjaergaard
authors: TK
authors: Larsen
authors: Ove B S
authors: OB
authors: de Muckadell
mesh_terms: D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002793:Cholic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D002793:Cholic Acids