Dissolution of Gallstones
Gallstone dissolution is non-surgical treatment intended to gradually dissolve selected cholesterol stones using bile-acid medicine.
Key takeaways
- Calcified, pigment, large or numerous stones and a poorly functioning gallbladder respond poorly to dissolution treatment.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid may take many months, does not prevent all biliary attacks and stones can recur after successful clearance.
- Gallbladder inflammation, blocked bile duct or pancreatitis requires urgent procedural assessment rather than waiting for medicine to work.
The listings below are not appropriate for every gallstone; ultrasound features, symptoms and surgical fitness determine suitability.
Who may be considered
The most plausible candidates have small non-calcified cholesterol stones, a patent cystic duct and a contracting gallbladder but cannot or prefer not to undergo surgery after informed discussion. Many asymptomatic stones require no active treatment, while recurrent symptoms often favour cholecystectomy.
Monitoring and limitations
Ursodeoxycholic acid changes bile composition gradually. Imaging checks whether stones shrink or disappear, and treatment is stopped when there is no useful response. It cannot reliably dissolve common bile-duct stones and does not address an acutely infected or obstructed gallbladder.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for persistent right-upper abdominal pain, fever or chills, jaundice, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting or severe upper abdominal pain spreading to the back.