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Call for papers - Biliary diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Guest Editor

Philip de Reuver, MD, PhD, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands

Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline: 7 January 2026


BMC Gastroenterology invites researchers to contribute to a comprehensive examination of biliary diseases, focusing on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges they present. We welcome submissions that explore developments in diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions such as cholestasis, gallstones, cholecystitis, and biliary neoplasms. By sharing current research and clinical insights, we aim to improve outcomes for patients affected by these complex diseases.

Meet the Guest Editor

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Philip de Reuver, MD, PhD, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands

Philip is an HPB and gastrointestinal surgeon at Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, trained at the University of Amsterdam. In 2014, he was a fellow at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, specializing in HPB surgery. His focus is on benign and malignant biliary diseases. He initiated the SECURE trial in 2013 to explore cholecystectomy's effectiveness in symptomatic gallstone patients. Philip coordinates clinical PhD students researching gallstones, shared decision-making, sustainability, surgical variations, and health care efficiency. His research aims to optimize cholecystectomy indications, improve outcomes, and study long-term effects on liver steatosis, as well as the molecular mechanisms of gallbladder cancer.

About the Collection

Biliary diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, and associated structures, leading to cholestasis, cholecystitis, gallstones, and cholangiocarcinoma. The complexity of these diseases poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Accurate diagnosis often requires advanced imaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound, and an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Therapeutic options are varied, ranging from endoscopic interventions to surgical approaches, depending on the specific disease and its stage.

Addressing biliary diseases is vital due to their potential for serious complications, including acute pancreatitis, infections, and even malignancy. Recent developments in minimally invasive techniques, improved imaging modalities, and novel pharmacological therapies have begun to increase our ability to manage these conditions effectively. Furthermore, emerging research in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic targets holds promise for improving patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of continued exploration in this field.

Ongoing research in biliary diseases has the potential to unveil new diagnostic markers and treatment modalities, which could lead to earlier detection and more effective management strategies. Developments in personalized medicine and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostic processes may also improve the precision of biliary disease diagnosis. As research progresses, we may see cutting-edge therapeutic approaches that significantly enhance patient care and quality of life for those suffering from these complex conditions.

We invite contributions across a spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Advances in cholestasis management
  • Diagnostic challenges in gallstones
  • Treatment options for cholecystitis
  • Emerging therapies for cholangiocarcinoma
  • The role of artificial intelligence in biliary disease diagnosis
  • Molecular diagnostics and their impact on treatment strategies
  • Patient-centered approaches in managing biliary diseases
  • Long-term outcomes of minimally invasive techniques in biliary interventions 
  • Comparative effectiveness of different therapeutic modalities


All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Image credit: © Matthieu / stock.adobe.com

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Biliary diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.