Translating advances in basic science into clinical care for the patient, this greatly needed reference provides an exclusive focus and comprehensive analysis of the physiology, pathophysiology, and management of gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Destined to be the one-stop resource for both clinical and basic scientists working on diseases of the gallbladder. Written by more than 60 internationally renowned contributors utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Diseases 7describes the abnormalities associated with gallstone disease and other biliary tract diseases 7accompanies the latest research in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of gallstones with illustrations outlining treatment possibilities 7compares laparoscopic cholecystectomy, topical contact dissolution, and nonsurgical therapy of gallstones 7advocates team approaches for discovering treatment modalities as in the case of common duct strictures 7discusses new imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiography and endoscopic ultrasound, from the perspectives of radiologists and endoscopists 7explores functions and injuries related to the biliary tree 7and much more! Amply referenced with over 5000 literature citations, photographs, drawings, tables, equations, and an extensive bibliography, Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Diseases is an incomparable reference for gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and medical school students in these disciplines.

Advocating the team approach to biliary disease (and focusing particularly on gallstones), the contributors of these 37 chapters cover physiology and pathophysiology and translate recent advances into clinical care for the patient. Topics include gallbladder smooth muscle function and its dysfunction in cholesterol gallstone disease; epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of gallstones; the role of intestinal transit; advances in imaging of the gallbladder and bile ducts; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; overview of nonsurgical therapy of gallstones; gallbladder cancer; congenital and cystic diseases of the biliary tree; vanishing bile duct syndrome; infections of the bile ducts; and the management of benign and malignant biliary strictures.
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