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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Generation and Quantitative Characterization of Functional and Polarized Biliary Epithelial Cysts
Published on: May 16, 2020
[The dissolution of cystine lithiasis with n-acetylcysteine]
J Benítez Navio1, P Tudela Pavón, G Laguna Urraca
1Servicio de Urología, Hospital Na. Sra. Alarcos, Ciudad Real, España.
Objective:
The results of in situ dissolution of a cystine calculus is described. This approach was attempted in a female patient for whom surgery was not considered to be the best therapeutic option.
Methods:
An obstructive cystine calculus was treated by in situ litholysis using N-acetylcysteine applied locally via two percutaneous nephrostomies and adjuvant oral metaphylaxis. The patient had a long clinical history of lithiasis that had also required surgery and a family history of cystinuria.
Results:
In situ litholysis completely dissolved the cystine calculus and avoided the need for a complex surgery. The procedure and a pharmacological analysis are presented.
Conclusions:
In our view, this procedure is practical, carries minimal morbidity and should be considered in the management of cystine calculus.
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