title: Gallstones: new insights into an old story.
abstract: Gallstones, particularly cholesterol gallstones, are common in Western populations and may cause symptoms such as biliary colic or complications such as acute cholecystitis or gallstone pancreatitis. Recent studies have allowed for a better understanding of the risk of symptoms or complications in patients with gallstones. In addition, newer data suggest an association of gallstones with overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal cancers, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Knowledge of appropriate indications and timing of cholecystectomy, particularly for mild biliary pancreatitis, has gradually accumulated. Lastly, there are exciting possibilities for novel agents to treat or prevent cholesterol stone disease. This review covers new advances in our understanding of the natural history, clinical associations, and management of gallstone disease.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Evan
authors: E
authors: Tiderington
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Sum P
authors: SP
authors: Lee
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Cynthia W
authors: CW
authors: Ko
keywords: acute cholecystitis; biliary colic; cholecystectomy; cholesterol stone disease; gallstone pancreatitis; gallstones; management of gallstone disease