[The non-surgical treatment of postoperatively retained hepato-choledochal calculi]

Postoperatively retained stones in the extrahepatic bile ducts can be chemically dissolved or removed mechanically. One method of chemically dissolving stones is sodium cholate perfusion through the T-tube. In the light of one personal case of successful treatment with sodium cholate, this relatively little-used method is described and recommended as a useful alternative to reoperation. Before reoperation for residual cholesterol gallstones in the extrahepatic bile ducts, dissolving of stones with sodium cholate should at least be attempted.