GALLSTONES (CHOLELITHIASIS)

GALLSTONES (CHOLELITHIASIS)

Gallstones are the most common biliary pathology . It is estimated that gallstones a ff ect 10–15% of the population in western societies. In the UK, the prevalence of gallstones at the time of death is estimated to be 17%. Gallstones are asymptomatic in the majority of cases (>80%). Approximately 1–2% per year will develop symptoms requiring surgery , making cholecystectomy one of the most common operations performed.