Systemic side effects from the intrabiliary infusion of monooctanoin for the dissolution of gallstones.

Monooctanoin, a cholesterol gallstone solvent, has been gaining wide acceptance as an effective safe agent for dissolving retained common bile duct stones when infused into the biliary tract. A woman with choledocholithiasis who received infusions of this agent into the biliary tract on three different occasions developed systemic side effects on each occasion. The severity of the side effects necessitated discontinuation of monooctanoin therapy.