[Cholelitholysis--gallbladder sediments and pigment stones]

Dissolution of cholesterol stones in the gallbladder can give rise to insoluble sediment and pigment stones. Thus can lead to a change of the type of gallstones. We have observed such a development during a period of 4 years in 23.5% of a group of 51 patients, whose cholesterol stones originally had been dissolved. Formation of pigment stones can be prevented, if calcium sediments with a grain size below 3 mm are removed early and forcefully enough out of the gallbladder. The voiding function of the gallbladder must be intact for such treatment, and this has to be tested before appropriate drug therapy is choosen.