Treatment of gallstones

Question 1

First line treatment of symptomatic gallstones

Answer 1

Cholecystectomy

Question 2

Alternative treatment for gallstones for pts who are not candidates for surgery

Answer 2

Ursodeoxycholic acid

Question 3

Mechanism of action of ursodeoxycholic acid

Answer 3

Increases solubility of cholesterol in bile by increase ursodiol content
Reduces hepatic cholesterol secretion
Stabilizes hepatocyte canalicular membranes

Question 4

Other clinical uses for ursodeoxycholic acid

Answer 4

Dissolution of small gallstones
Prevention of gallstone formation in rapid weight loss
Treatment of early primary biliary cirrhosis