title: Nonsurgical treatment of cholelithiasis. An analysis of clinical opportunity.
abstract: This article examines the potential impact of recently developed nonsurgical treatments for gallstones on patient care and resource utilization. Using epidemiological and efficacy data from the literature and current patient selection criteria, the authors evaluate UDCA, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and direct instillation of methyltertbutyl ether in terms of short-term clinical results, health policy, and economic implications.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brink
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Richter
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000628:therapy*; D004987:Ethers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether