[The problem of gallstone dissolution (author's transl)].

Stones in the gallbladder and the bile ducts can be dissolved by oral medication. The stones present in the bile ducts can also be dislodged and caused to disappear by local irrigation. For cholesterol stones the most effective treatment at present is application of Chenodeoxycholic Acid. However, surgery must be considered in the first instance. In case of bile duct stones it is suggested that prophylactic and conservative treatment should be attempted.