Special Lecture: Genetic epidemiology and future developments in the treatment of cholecystolithiasis

摘要

Gallstones represent a serious burden for our healthcare systems: 10-20% of Europeans and Americans carry gallbladder stones, and the prevalence of gallstone disease is rising as a result of longer life expectancy. Many gallstones are silent, but symptoms and complications ensue in around 25% of cases, necessitating surgical removal of the gallbladder, usually by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Each year an estimated 700000 cholecystectomies are performed in the US, and 174000 in Germany. Cholelithiasis incurs annual medical expenses of dollar6,5 billion in the US and is currently the second most expensive digestive disease, exceeded only by reflux disease.