Dissolution of retained duct stones by perfusion with monooctanoin via a Teflon catheter introduced endoscopically

Retained bile duct stones in patients who have undergone prior cholecystectomy are removed by operation or endoscopic sphincterotomy. We achieved dissolution of cholesterol duct stones by perfusion with monooctanoin, a commercially available mixture of medium chain glycerides. Sixteen patients were treated in whom endoscopic sphincterotomy was impossible or unsuccessful. In 12 patients, 16 stones were dissolved within 6 to 25 days (mean, 15.6 days). In all successfully treated patients elevated serum liver enzymes became normal during therapy.