The aim of the study is to identify patients with gallstone disease that should be operated and those that may potentially be observed. This selection was based on symptoms and clinical presentation. The consequences that may arise for the patient if observation is chosen compared with outcome after cholecystectomy has been markers of outcome.

1. Randomized clinical trial (RCT) of observation versus surgery for uncomplicated gallstone disease
2. RCT of observation versus operation for acute cholecystitis
3. Study of outcome after cholecystectomy in patients from 1. and 2.
4. Study of symptoms in gallstone disease and symptom relief after cholecystectomy
5. Long-term morbidity and mortality, including cancer, after cholecystectomy
6. Long-term follow-up of patients with silent gallstones

Inclusion criteria:

• Symptomatic gallstone disease (SGBS):

Episodes of pain in the right subcostal or midline epigastric area lasting more than 30 min, with ultrasonography signs of gallstones.

• Ultrasonographic: echo with an acoustic shadow in a visible gallbladder, or an echo with positional change and size <3 mm or, alternatively no demonstrable gallbladder but a strong echo with an acoustic shadow in the position of the gallbladder

Exclusion Criteria SGBS:

• Infrequent and/or minimal pain that need only very occasional medication
• Age below 18 or above 80
• Not willing to participate

Inclusion criteria, acute cholecystitis (AC):

• Acute abdominal pain
• Duration of more than 8-12 h
• Tenderness on clinical examination in the upper right quadrant
• Presence of gallbladder stones and signs of inflammation on ultrasonography and in clinical biochemistry data, including an elevated temperature

Exclusion criteria, AC:

• Severe concomitant disease
• Suspected Common Bile Duct stone
• Acalculous cholecystitis
• Localized peritonitis suggesting gallbladder perforation or gangrenous cholecystitis

Inclusion criteria 1983 cohort of patients:

• Participation in a screening study for gallstones in 1983
• Operated for symptomatic gallstone disease in Bergen, Norway in 1983

Patients admitted to a hospital for either acute cholecystitis or uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease randomized to observation or operation. Patients from a population screening study for gallstones performed in 1983. Patients operated for gallstone disease in 1983.