Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: comparison of solvents

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.