DISSOLUTION OF CHOLESTEROL GALLSTONE BY URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID

Abstract

Since dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was reported in 1972, it has been suggested that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), 7β-hydroxy group epimer of CDCA, may also have a similar effect. A series of reports have confirmed this hypothesis of late. In the present study, 100-450mg per day of UDCA was given to 66 patients with cholesterol gallstones in the gallbladder for 4-24 months and its safety and effectiveness to dissolve allstones were examined. AS a result, UDCA proved effective in 34.9% of the 66 patients treated (dissolution: 8/66, decrease in size and/or number: 15/66) and 43.5% of the 46 patients with noncalcified stones (20/46).
Analysis of bile composition confirmed improvement of cholesterol solubility. The present study indicates that if suitable patients are selected, UDCA which has almost no side effects may be an effective gallstone dissolving agent.