In-vivo chemical choledocholitholysis using MTBE.

Following endoscopic sphincterotomy, it is possible to clear a large proportion of stones from the bile ducts. In a few cases, however, the stones are too large to retrieve. Mechanical lithotripsy is unpredictable and carries a substantial risk of impaction. We report a patient who had multiple large stones in the bile ducts which were successfully dissolved using MTBE. No adverse effects were noted.