Endoscopic Management of Acute Cholangitis

No large epidemiological study has been conducted to date, but it can be estimated that approximately 10 % of the general population have gallstone [1]. According to a review by Friedman, 1-2 % of patients with asymptomatic gallstones and 1-3 % of patients with mild symptoms annually presented severe symptoms or complications (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, severe jaundice, or pancreatitis) [1]. The probability of undergoing operation due to subsequent severe symptoms was 6-8 %/year in patients initially presenting moderate symptoms and the symptoms decreased year by year [1].