The non-operative management of gallstones.

During the last decade the non-surgical management of gallbladder stones has become possible. Oral chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and more recently, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), have proved to be safe and effective. For the treatment of bile duct stones, various methods including flushing, chemical dissolution and mechanical procedures are now available. A combination of these techniques can be used in a logical sequence and should enable the successful treatment of most patients with bile ducts stones.