Current status of heparin dissolution of gallstones. Experimental and clinical observations.
Investigation of the use of heparin in bile indicates that it has the ability to disperse suspended particles. Clinical experience using a heparinized saline flush in forty-three patients with retained gallstones demonstrated disappearance of the stones in thirty-one of the patients. On this basis we would recommend this treatment for further clinical trials in patients with retained common duct stones.
D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography
D006493:Heparin