Human gallbladder morphology after gallstone dissolution with methyl tert-butyl ether.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hepatobiliary Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Gallstones are a common ailment requiring treatment.
• Contact dissolution using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a therapeutic option for gallstones.
• Assessing the safety of MTBE exposure on human gallbladder tissue is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the histological effects of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) on the human gallbladder following gallstone treatment.
• To determine the safety profile of MTBE perfusion in the gallbladder.

Main Methods:

• Histological and gross examination of five human gallbladders post-MTBE treatment.
• Patients underwent cholecystectomy at varying intervals (1-12 weeks) after MTBE therapy.
• Electron microscopy was utilized in one case for detailed tissue analysis.

Main Results:

• Complete gallstone dissolution occurred in three patients; partial dissolution in one; no dissolution in one.
• All gallbladders exhibited chronic cholecystitis, primarily in the submucosa.
• Mild acute inflammatory changes were noted in the submucosa of patients treated recently, with intact mucosal and serosal surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) perfusion appears safe for the human gallbladder.
• Observed mild acute inflammatory changes are likely transient and reversible.
• MTBE treatment demonstrated variable efficacy in gallstone dissolution.