Dissolution of retained choledochal calculi.

The history of the technique of promoting dissolution of retained gallstones in the biliary tree is briefly reviewed. Present methods are described in detail and our own experience recorded. We have treated six patients with retained calculi by means of heparinized saline and sodium cholate infusions of the common bile duct. Successful dissolution of calculi was achieved in five cases, but one patient developed severe pancreatitis and renal failure which responded to peritoneal dialysis. We believe that the method is a valuable alternative to re-exploration of the common bile duct, particularly when calculi are situated in the distal part of the duct.