Summary
Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by direct instillation of an agent into the biliary tract has been considered an alternate to surgical procedures. We developed an excellent direct solubilizer by combiningd-limonene and medium-chain monoglyceride. This mixture enhances the advantages of each individual solvent and minimizes the disadvantages. In vitro experiments were done to determine the viscosities and the cholesterol dissolving rates of various combinations, and in vivo experiments were conducted to study their irritation effects on tissues. The optimal combination was a 3:2 mixture ofd-limonene and medium-chain monoglyceride. It could quickly dissolve cholesterol gallstones with minimal or no observable side effect.
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Igimi, H., Watanabe, D., Yamamoto, F. et al. A useful cholesterol solvent for medical dissolution of gallstones. Gastroenterol Jpn 27, 536–545 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02777791
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02777791