Gallstones or cholelithiasis are a major public health problem in Europe and other developed countries and affect up to 20% of the population.
Gallstone disease is the most common gastrointestinal disorder for which patients are admitted to hospitals in European countries.
The interdisciplinary care for patients with gallstone disease has advanced considerably during recent decades thanks to a growing insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms and remarkable technical developments in endoscopic and surgical procedures. In contrast, primary prevention for this common disease is still in its infancy.