Gallstone disease historical perspective
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]
Overview
Overview
Humans have a long history with gallstones with the earliest recording being noted at least 7000 years ago. Autopsies performed on the earliest mummies in Egypt were discovered to have gallstones. Gallstones became easier to visualize in 1895 with the introduction of the plain x-ray film. In 1924 and 1970, IV cholecystography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were developed respectively.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Gallstone disease has been noted as far back as when Egyptian pharaohs ruled. Autopsies performed on mummies found gallstones present within the body cavities.[1]
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
- From 1895 to 1924, plain film was developed to better detect radiopaque stones.[2]
- From 1924 to 1960, contrast media was introduced which inspired the invention of IV cholecystography.
- From then on, in 1970, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, scintigraphy, and sonography were invented.
- By 1980, the notion that gallbladder stones could be treated medically was introduced.
References
References
- ↑ Shaffer EA (2005). “Epidemiology and risk factors for gallstone disease: has the paradigm changed in the 21st century?”. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 7 (2): 132–40. PMID 15802102.
- ↑ Feld R, Kurtz AB, Zeman RK (1991). “Imaging the gallbladder: a historical perspective”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 156 (4): 737–40. doi:10.2214/ajr.156.4.2003437. PMID 2003437.
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