[Therapeutic decision in gallstone disease: from the surgical viewpoint].

Cholecystectomy, hitherto the "golden standard" in gallstone treatment, and all the other alternative methods must pass the test of applicability, morbidity, mortality, rate of success and recurrence. According to these criteria, cholecystectomy (removing not only the stones but also the offending gallbladder)--in particular with the advent of the laparoscopic approach--is the therapy of choice.