Gallstones: advantages and disadvantages of five treatment alternatives.
Cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones. However, within the last decade peroral drug chemolysis, methyl-tert-butyl ether lavage, shock wave lithotripsy, and percutaneous cholecystolithotomy have been introduced. This article compares and contrasts the presently available therapeutic modalities for gallstones and highlights the limitations of each treatment option.
Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
D P
DP
Griffith
M J
MJ
Gleeson
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004987:Ethers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States