In-vivo chemical choledocholitholysis using MTBE.
Following endoscopic sphincterotomy, it is possible to clear a large proportion of stones from the bile ducts. In a few cases, however, the stones are too large to retrieve. Mechanical lithotripsy is unpredictable and carries a substantial risk of impaction. We report a patient who had multiple large stones in the bile ducts which were successfully dissolved using MTBE. No adverse effects were noted.
D000368:Aged; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D004987:Ethers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether