The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Sep 1993
ReviewBiliary tract emergencies. Acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis.
Acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis represent the most common biliary tract emergencies. Most are due to gallstones in the gallbladder and bile ducts. ⋯ Although the role of either surgery or endoscopic treatment may be more clearly defined in some biliary tract emergencies, in other situations either modality may be appropriate or they may compliment each other. Most biliary emergencies should be managed by gastroenterologists, surgeons, and radiologists working together in a harmonious fashion.