$Unique_ID{BRK00969}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Operation vs. Sound Waves or Ether for Gallstone Removal}
$Subject{gallstones treatment}
$Volume{I-9}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Operation vs. Sound Waves or Ether for Gallstone Removal


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QUESTION:  Now that my wife is successfully past an operation to remove her
gallstones, we learn of two other methods that might have made it a bit easier
on her.  One is the use of sound waves, and another was to use ether to
dissolve the stones.  Was there any reason for my wife to have an operation,
when those methods are available?

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ANSWER:  Though there are new methods available to treat cholelithiasis (gall
stones), the tried and true method of surgically removing the diseased gall
bladder still is preferred by many.  It is still the only method by which the
problem is solved permanently, and which prevents the possibility of gallstone
recurrence.  In each of the three alternative methods now available to rid a
patient of gallstones (you forgot to mention oral medications which will
dissolve gallstones formed of cholesterol), the gall bladder remains in place,
which provides the location for more stones to form.  While the other methods
sound less traumatic, they often require additional treatments to achieve a
complete removal of the stones.  Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (called
ESWL for obvious reasons) which uses ultrasound waves to break up the stones,
may leave fragments which are too large to pass, and require another treatment
in as many as 3 out 4 patients.  The use of methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE) to
dissolve the stones requires passing a catheter through the skin into the gall
bladder, and is not without its share of complications.  With the operation
over, your wife can look forward to a life free of gall bladder disease.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
