In recent years, our knowledge about the pathogenesis, pathophysiology and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases has increased considerably. The molecular basis of cholestatic disorders as well as of gallstone disease is increasingly recognized. This has resulted in improved diagnosis, for instance in hereditary forms of intrahepatic cholestasis, and advances in treatment, for example in primary biliary cirrhosis and other chronic cholestatic disorders. This book, the proceedings of a Falk Workshop held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on June 9-10, 2000, brings together contributions from scientists and clinicians to highlight the most recent advances in molecular biology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the hepatobiliary system. World experts cover a broad spectrum of topics from genetic studies to endoscopy and from medical treatment to liver transplantation.
