About the book

Gallstones are one of the most common digestive system diseases in the world. Recently, the incidence of gallstones has increased and the pattern of gallstones has changed. Most gallstones are found in the gallbladder, but they sometimes pass through the cystic duct into extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic bile ducts to become bile-duct stones, causing conditions known as choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis. Gallstones may cause a series of clinical symptoms such as biliary obstruction, infection, and even malignant transformation. There are also some gallstones patients without any symptoms for life. At present, there is still a lot of discussion about the causes and prevention methods of gallstones. With the renewal of treatment concepts, treatment strategies such as laparoscopic technology, puncture technology, and endoscopic technology have become the main methods for the treatment of gallstones, and they have also brought a variety of complications.

This book will discuss the epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of gallstones, the latest progress in the treatment of different types of gallstones, and the management of complications. We hope that this book will provide clinicians with evidence for clinical decision-making and provide scientists with a comprehensive overview of current developments in this vital area.