History of the study and treatment of cholelithiasis

Relevance. Cholelithiasis (GI) remains one of the most common diseases in gastroenterology and surgery, and its complications (acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary pancreatitis) continue to pose a serious threat to the lives of patients. A historical analysis of the evolution of views on these complications allows not only to pay tribute to key discoveries, but also to better understand modern therapeutic and diagnostic paradigms, as well as identify promising areas for future research.
The purpose of the study. To conduct a systematic analysis of the historical stages of the study of gallstone disease complications, from the first pathomorphological descriptions to the development of modern minimally invasive technologies.
Materials and methods. An analytical review of historical scientific literary sources, archival medical publications and modern clinical recommendations has been conducted. The methodology included historical and retrospective analysis, systematization and synthesis of data.
Results. Five key stages in the study of GI complications have been identified: 1. The era of pre–scientific observations (Antiquity - XVIII century): the works of Morgagni, which laid the foundations of pathoanatomic understanding. 2. The origin of biliary surgery (19th century): Langenbuch's first cholecystectomy, Courvosier's law. 3. Delving into pathophysiology (the first half of the 20th century): the theory of biliary pancreatitis, description of Mirrizzi syndrome. 4. Technological revolution (the second half of the 20th century): the introduction of ultrasound, ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 5. The modern stage (the turn of the XX-XXI centuries): algorithmization (Tokyo recommendations), personalized approach. It is shown how the development of technologies and scientific concepts has consistently reduced the invasiveness of treatment and improved the prognosis of patients.  
Conclusions. The history of studying the complications of cholelithiasis demonstrates impressive progress – from fatalistic acceptance of an inevitable fatal outcome to active prevention and effective treatment. Further research should focus on improving a personalized approach, minimizing the invasiveness of interventions, and improving long-term treatment outcomes.

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