[Symptomatic gallstone disease: an indication for surgery].

Three patients, men in the ages of 58, 66 and 56 years, respectively, had experienced 'warning colics' a considerable time before gallstone complications or severe recurrent colic. Ultrasonographically proven gallstones had not led to cholecystectomy. The 58-year-old man died of sepsis due to infected pancreatic necrosis; the other men underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, after which they recovered fully. Approximately 10-5% of the adult Dutch population have gallstones, but only 10% will develop symptoms. The annual risk for developing complicated gallstone disease is 1-2% in asymptomatic gallstone carriers. Of patients admitted with complicated gallstone disease, 58% have had prior 'warning colics'. Complicated gallstone disease can be prevented by timely treatment after recognition of warning colics. Cholecystectomy is indicated in patients with intermittent upper-abdominal pain and proven gallstones or sludge.