$Unique_ID{BRK00747}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Anyway to Dissolve Gall Stones?}
$Subject{special procedure procedures gall stone stones cholecystectomy
cholesterol ursodeoxycholic acid URSO bile acid Actigall medication
medications surgeries operation operations surgery surgical lithotripsy sound
shock waves gallstone gallstones}
$Volume{P-9,R-9}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Anyway to Dissolve Gall Stones?


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QUESTION:  My husband was rushed to the hospital with what we thought was a
heart attack.  After undergoing all the tests we were told that he had a gall
bladder attack.  Is there anyway to dissolve gall stones, or is the only cure
an operation to remove the gall bladder?  Our doctor tells us that surgery
isn't necessary.

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ANSWER:  Your doctor is very much up to date in suggesting an alternative
therapy to surgery.  Until just recently, cholecystectomy (surgical removal of
the gall bladder) was the only choice and more than a half million operations
were performed each year.  But if the gallstones are composed of cholesterol,
without calcifications, they may be dissolved by a medication that was
recently approved called ursodeoxycholic acid (URSO).  URSO is a naturally
occurring bile acid, which is found in small amounts in human bile, but is now
marketed in the United States under the brand name of Actigall.  This
treatment may be used in nonemergency patients who do not desire surgery, or
who may be at high risk as a surgical patient.  The medication can dissolve
small stones (less than 20 mm in diameter) in from 30% to 80% of patients, but
may take from 6-24 months to do so.  When there is some reduction in size
after 6 months, it is likely that the entire stone can be dissolved by
continuing the treatment.  The medication is taken orally in capsule form
twice a day.  Another technique still under investigation is called
lithotripsy, a process which uses sound shock waves to fragment the stones
into smaller pieces, followed by the oral medication to complete the process.
While you are making your decision, keep your husband away from fatty foods,
which can reduce the chances of recurrence of another painful attack.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.