[Treatment of intrahepatic cholesterol stones by chenodeoxycholic acid (author's transl)]

Intrahepatic gallstones were demonstrated by operative cholangiography in two men, aged 34 and 46 years, respectively. The cholesterol stones were dissolved in both patients within eight and two months, respectively, by retrograde instillation of chendeoxycholic acid via a T-drain. Additional endoscopic papillotomy was performed because of a papillary stenosis in one instance, and extrahepatic occlusion during treatment in the other. During treatment there was a rise of transaminases of 5-fold levels, of gamma-glutamyl transferase up to 10-fold of normal. Since chenodeoxycholic-acid instillations both patients have been receiving the drug orally to prevent recurrence of gallstones. So far all biochemical values are within the normal range, the patients are without symptoms and have a normal exercise tolerance.