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Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: Comparison of solvents

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Abstract

Various gallstone solvents are compared to evaluate their efficacy. Cholesterol gallstones from 5 patients were weight matched and incubated in 5 different solutions at 37° C. These solutions consisted of methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), 90% mono-octanoin (MO), absolute alcohol, normal saline, and water. Absolute alcohol and MTBE were found to induce faster stone dissolution than the mono-octanoin derivative. Concentrations of alcohol below 80%, normal saline, and water were not effective in dissolving stones. Newer agents such as MTBE may prove valuable in dissolution of stones in the human gallbladder or bile ducts.

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  1. Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, 4301 X Street, Room 109R, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Lester L. Lee & John P. McGahan M.D.

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  1. Lester L. Lee
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  2. John P. McGahan M.D.
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Lee, L.L., McGahan, J.P. Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: Comparison of solvents. Gastrointest Radiol 11, 169–171 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02035062

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02035062

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