Retained biliary tract stones. Nonsurgical treatment with capmul 8210, a new cholesterol gallstone dissolution agent

E. Mack, E. M. Patzer, A. B. Crummy, A. F. Hofmann and V. K. Babayan

The ability of Capmul 8210, a commercial solvent that predominantly consists of glyceryl 1-mono-octanoate, to dissolve retained common duct stones by direct infusion into the T-tube was tested in 20 patients with a total of 43 stones. Of 19 patients who completed their infusion, stone disappearance was observed in 15, giving a success rate of 79%. The dissolution time for a single stone averaged four days. A slight rise in serum alkaline phosphatase and amylase levels occurred in some patients, and rapidly returned to normal when treatment was concluded. Other side effects, such as nausea and vomiting epigastric discomfort, or diarrhea, occurred occasionally but were easily controlled medically. We believe that this agent is a useful adjunct in the management of postoperative choledocholithiasis in the patient with an indwelling T-tube.