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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Acupuncture | Research

Management of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a systematic review

Authors: Rivfka Shenoy, Patrick Kirkland, Joseph E. Hadaya, M. Wynn Tranfield, Michael DeVirgilio, Marcia M. Russell, Melinda Maggard-Gibbons

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Symptomatic cholelithiasis is a common surgical disease and accounts for half of the over one million cholecystectomies performed in the USA annually. Despite its prevalence, only one prior systematic review has examined the evidence around treatment strategies and it contained a narrow scope. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of treatment options for symptomatic cholelithiasis, including surgery, non-surgical therapies, and ED pain management strategies.

Methods

Literature search was performed from January 2000 through June 2020, and a narrative analysis was performed as studies were heterogeneous.

Results

We identified 12 publications reporting on 10 trials (9 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study) comparing treatment methods. The studies assessed surgery, observation, lithotripsy, ursodeoxycholic acid, electro-acupuncture, and pain-management strategies in the emergency department. Only one compared surgery to observation.

Conclusion

This work presents the existing data and underscores the current gap in knowledge regarding treatment for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. We use these results to suggest how future trials may guide comparisons between the timing of surgery and watchful waiting to create a set of standardized guidelines. Providing appropriate and timely treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis is important to streamline care for a costly and prevalent disease.

Trial registration

PROSPERO Protocol Number: CRD42020153153

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Management of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a systematic review
Authors: Rivfka Shenoy
Patrick Kirkland
Joseph E. Hadaya
M. Wynn Tranfield
Michael DeVirgilio
Marcia M. Russell
Melinda Maggard-Gibbons
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Acupuncture
Cholecystectomy
Biliary Colic
Cholelithiasis
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02135-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Management of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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