[Alternatives to cholecystectomy].
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.
Qvist
Niels
N
Kirurgisk Afdeling A, Odense Universitetshospital, DK-5000 Odense C. famqvist@dadlnet.dk
Larsen
Thomas Kjaergaard
TK
de Muckadell
Ove B S
OB
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
D002793:Cholic Acids