Management of Asymptomatic Cholelithiasis
Asymptomatic gallstones are found in approximately 10%–20% of the adult population, with only 1%–4% developing symptoms annually. Although complications such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis may occur, the overall risk remains low. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, though effective...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | NMO Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/JNMO.JNMO_10_25 |
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| Summary: | Asymptomatic gallstones are found in approximately 10%–20% of the adult population, with only 1%–4% developing symptoms annually. Although complications such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis may occur, the overall risk remains low. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, though effective with a >95% success rate, carries a morbidity of ~2%–6% and a mortality risk of <0.5%, making routine surgery unwarranted in most asymptomatic individuals. Observation is recommended in most cases. Prophylactic cholecystectomy is considered for high-risk groups, including patients with gallstones >2–3 cm, those with sickle cell disease or candidates for bariatric or organ transplant surgery. While the risk of gall bladder cancer in asymptomatic cholelithiasis is <0.3%, enhanced surveillance is advised in regions with high cancer prevalence. Routine cholecystectomy for cancer prevention is not supported by current evidence. |
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| ISSN: | 2348-3806 2950-5933 |