Romancing the stones

Abdominal ultrasonography

This article focuses on ultrasonographic examinations of the abdomen and important intra-abdominal pathology. The liver and biliary tree are discussed first, followed by the use of ultrasonography in diagnosing appendicitis, ascites, and bowel obstruction. Pyloric stenosis and intussusception, important pediatric intra-abdominal problems, are also discussed.

Nonsurgical treatment of cholelithiasis. An analysis of clinical opportunity

This article examines the potential impact of recently developed nonsurgical treatments for gallstones on patient care and resource utilization. Using epidemiological and efficacy data from the literature and current patient selection criteria, the authors evaluate UDCA, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and direct instillation of methyltertbutyl ether in terms of short-term clinical results, health policy, and economic implications.