Biliary Lithiasis: Basic Science, Current Diagnosis and Management

The book provides an overview on biliary lithiasis and all its clinical pictures, twenty years after the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder, the main bile duct and intra-hepatic stones, in their uncomplicated and complicated forms are illustrated. Chapters are focused on basic science, epidemiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to biliary lithiasis. The different diagnostic procedures described include  invasive and noninvasive imaging,  and treatment options take into consideration medical treatment, open and minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic and percutaneous approaches, both individually and as combined procedures.  The book's content is not limited to the most commonly used therapeutic approaches reported in the literature, but also addresses new and innovative therapeutic strategies for biliary lithiasis. Thanks to its comprehensive approach, this volume will be of interest not only for GPs amd specialists in this field, but also to residents and other health professional of different disciplines.