Asymptomatic Gallstones: To Treat or Not to Treat?

In the absence of level I evidence and clear guidelines, the debate whether to treat or not to treat asymptomatic gallstones continues into the laparoscopic era. In general, the management of most patients with asymptomatic gallstones is expectant as the natural history is benign. However, in certain group of patients such as sickle cell disease patients, there is a shift towards pre-emptive laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This article looks at the argument for and against surgery for asymptomatic gallstones with a special emphasis on certain groups of patients.

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