[Percutaneous cholecystectomy and litholysis with methyl tert-butyl ether under ultrasonic control]

The first percutaneous cholecystostomies under ultrasound control with therapeutic purpose, performed in Bulgaria, are reported. They furnish the opportunity for local treatment of acute cholecystitis and chemical litholysis in biliary calculosis. Control of the latter was realized by microscopic determination of the amount of cholesterine crystals in periodically aspirated bile. Indications for this procedure are defined after thorough discussion by internist and surgeon. Transhepatic approach and long-term treatment with methyltertiary-butyl ether are considered obligatory.