Rapid Dissolution of Gallstones by Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether: Preliminary Observations

Mark J. Allen, Thomas J. Borody, Thomas F. Bugliosi, Gerald R. May, Nicholas F. Larusso, Johnson L. Thistle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

195 Scopus citations

Abstract

ALTHOUGH surgery has been the time-honored treatment for cholelithiasis, dissolution of gallbladder or bile-duct stones has received increasing interest in the past decade. Numerous solvents have been administered either orally or by direct infusion into the biliary system.1 However, a slow rate of stone dissolution or troublesome side effects have restricted the clinical utility of these agents. Chenodiol and ursodeoxycholic acid usually require one to three years to achieve complete stone dissolution when they are effective. The currently preferred agent for direct dissolution, mono-octanoin, usually requires 3 to 21 days to dissolve cholesterol duct stones.2 3 4 5 6 A much more useful approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)217-220
Number of pages4
JournalNew England Journal of Medicine
Volume312
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 24 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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