부산대학교 도서관

The symptoms of cholelithiasis include biliary colic, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. When these symptoms happen to pilots in air, they may cause incapacitation. However, the majority of people who have gallstones do not have symptoms; their stones remain 'silent.' Silent gallstones are often found on an ultrasound or CT scan done for other reasons. Military pilots with gallstones would be grounded according to current ROC aeromedical practice manual. In this article, we discuss the aeromedical consideration of gallstones. Those who presented with symptoms would be suggested to undergo surgery. Aeromedical consultation data from US Air Force showed that gallstones without symptoms rarely result in emergency. Moreover, prophylactic cholecystectomy in aviators had no impact on the incidence of cholecystitis. As a result, the US air force aeromedical guide was been revised and pilots with asymptomatic gallstones would not be forced to undergo prophylactic cholecystectomy. We should include this evidence-based medical practice into consideration when facing pilots with asymptomatic gallstones.