Biliary ascariasis: a review.

Ascariasis, a helminthic infection of humans, is the most common parasitic infestation of the gastrointestinal tract. It infects about 25% of the world's population; around 20 thousand deaths occur per year from an adverse clinical course of the disease. This review is focused on biliary ascariasis, examining in some detail the pathogenesis of the disease with special reference to postcholecystectomy ascariasis and related issues. Although an endemic disease of tropical and subtropical countries, increasing population migration facilitated by fast improving communication facilities demands that clinicians everywhere be familiar with the clinical profile and management of biliary ascariasis.