Dissolution of gall-stones in vitro.

An in vitro study on dissolution of 36 gall-stones obtained from 3 patients (12 stones from each patient) was carried out in heparin, bile salt and clofibrate solutions of different strengths. Heparin was found to be a poor solvent while bile salt (sodium desoxycholate) proved better and clofibrate the best solvent in various concentrations used. In addition 3 stones, one from each patient, were placed in normal saline to serve as control.