Overview of Diseases of the Gallbladder

Diseases of the gallbladder (GB) are relatively common, and almost all the patients enter the hospital with the symptoms (acute RUQ pain or recurrent RUQ vague discomfort to pain) or for evaluation of abnormal image findings (gallstone, polyp, wall thickening, and tumor) of the GB. Currently, imaging studies such as ultrasonography (US), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can detect lesions in the lumen and the wall of GB mostly. The contractile function of GB can be measured by cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy (CCK-CS). Patients with diseases of the GB are treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, percutaneous cholecystostomy, and endoscopic drainage of gallbladder depending on the patients’ general condition without difficulties. However, the prognosis of gallbladder cancer is dismal due to delayed diagnosis and absence of adequate personalized target therapy. In the chapters of this book, up-to-date information on all aspects of diseases of the gallbladder will be described.