Preface

Recently, the prevalence of gallstones has increased, and the pattern of gallstones has changed. Most gallstones are found in the gallbladder, but they sometimes pass through the cystic duct into extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic bile ducts to become bile-duct stones, causing conditions known as choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis. Gallstones may cause a series of clinical symptoms such as biliary obstruction, infection, and even malignant transformation. There are also some gallstone patients who never experience symptoms. At present, there is still a lot of discussion about the causes and prevention of gallstones. With the renewal of treatment concepts, treatment strategies such as laparoscopic technology, puncture technology, and endoscopic technology have become the main methods for treating gallstones. However, these methods can also bring about a variety of complications.

This book discusses the epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of gallstones, the latest progress in the treatment of different types of gallstones, and the management of complications. It provides clinicians with evidence for clinical decision-making and provides scientists with a comprehensive overview of current developments in this vital area.

> **Qiang Yan** Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Hu Zhou, China

**Huaping Shen** Zhejiang University Huzhou Hospital, Hu Zhou, China
