title: Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: comparison of solvents.
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 degrees 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.
mesh_terms: D002210:Caprylates; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004987:Ethers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005989:Glycerides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012997:Solvents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014867:Water / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002210:Caprylates; D004987:Ethers; D005989:Glycerides; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether; D000431:Ethanol; D012965:Sodium Chloride; C025343:monooctanoin