title: Surgical management of hepatolithiasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Globalization and intercontinental migration have not just changed the socioeconomic status of regions, but have also altered disease dynamics across the globe. Hepatolithiasis, although still rare, is becoming increasingly evident in the West because of immigration from the Asia-Pacific region, where the disease prevails in endemic proportions. Such rare but emerging diseases pose a therapeutic challenge to doctors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we briefly introduce the topic of hepatolithiasis and describe features of intrahepatic stones, the aetiology of hepatolithiasis and the symptoms and sequelae of the condition. We then provide a comprehensive review of the various management modalities currently in use to treat hepatolithiasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our opinion, and as is evident from the literature, surgery remains the definitive treatment for hepatolithiasis. However, non-surgical procedures such as cholangiography, although limited in their therapeutic capabilities, play a vital role in diagnosis and preoperative evaluation.
authors: Department of Surgery, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ, USA.
authors: Sujit Vijay
authors: SV
authors: Sakpal
authors: Nitin
authors: N
authors: Babel
authors: Ronald Scott
authors: RS
authors: Chamberlain