[Gallstones and their complications].

Gallbladder stones are present in more than 10% of the population in Europe, particularly in women. Most patients are and will remain asymptomatic. No treatment is required. Patients with gallstones and biliary colics should have elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy which can be performed in almost every case. Acute gall-stone cholecystitis is the most severe complication. It should prompt urgent cholecystecomy that can be done by laparoscopy. Other complications such as biliobiliary fistulas have become unfrequent.