Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis

Gallstone disease Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Gallstone disease from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery Lithotripsy Surgical management
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis
Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Gallstone disease
Risk calculators and risk factors for Gallstone disease natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Gallstones develop in many people without causing symptoms. The chance of symptoms or complications from gallstones is about 20%. Nearly all patients (99%) who have gallbladder surgery do not have their symptoms return.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Asymptomatic stones: 16-26% of patients develop gallstone-related symptoms in 10 years. Prophylactic cholecystectomy not indicated UNLESS increased risk of gallbladder (gb) cancer:

• Pima Indian
• Calcified gb
• gb Polyp >10 mm
• Gallstones >2.5 cm
• Salmonella carrier

Diagrams shown below are courtesy of Wikisurgery.com

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Symptomatic stones

38-50% of patients have pain recurrence/year after 1 episode biliary colic. 1-2% of patients have complication rate/year.