Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu
Contents
  • What is Ursodiol?
  • Who Can Benefit from Ursodiol?
  • Treatment Duration and Monitoring

Ursodiol: Could This Be the Key to Dissolving Your Gallstones?

Ursodiol: Could This Be the Key to Dissolving Your Gallstones?

Why It Matters

For those unable to have surgery, ursodiol offers a promising alternative to dissolve gallstones. Learn how this medication works and who it's best for.
Contents
  • What is Ursodiol?
  • Who Can Benefit from Ursodiol?
  • Treatment Duration and Monitoring

What is Ursodiol?

Ursodiol is a bile acid that helps dissolve gallstones by breaking down cholesterol, the primary component of these stones. It is particularly effective for small, non-calcified stones and can also alleviate symptoms like biliary colic. Understanding its mechanism is crucial for those considering nonsurgical options.

Who Can Benefit from Ursodiol?

Ideal candidates for ursodiol are patients with small (<1 cm), cholesterol-rich, and non-calcified gallstones with a functioning gallbladder. Those who experience mild symptoms and cannot undergo surgery may find significant relief with this therapy. It's important to have the right gallstone characteristics for ursodiol to be effective.
Ursodiol is a medication used to dissolve small, non-calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

Treatment Duration and Monitoring

Ursodiol treatment often requires a long-term commitment, with regular monitoring through ultrasounds every 6 to 12 months. Complete dissolution can take years, but symptom relief may occur sooner. Continued therapy even after stone clearance can help prevent recurrence.

FAQs

How does ursodiol work?

It dissolves gallstones by breaking down cholesterol in the stones.

Who should consider ursodiol?

Those with small, cholesterol-rich, non-calcified stones and mild symptoms.

Is long-term ursodiol use necessary?

Yes, to prevent recurrence after stones dissolve.

How often should treatment progress be monitored?

Every 6 to 12 months via ultrasound.

Wrapping Up

Could ursodiol be the right choice for your gallstone management?
Get started: Consult Doctronic to see if ursodiol is right for your gallstone treatment.
Additional References
  1. Rubin RA, Kowalski TE, Khandelwal M, Malet PF. Ursodiol for hepatobiliary disorders. Ann Intern Med 1994; 121:207.
  2. Tomida S, Abei M, Yamaguchi T, et al. Long-term ursodeoxycholic acid therapy is associated with reduced risk of biliary pain and acute cholecystitis in patients with gallbladder stones: a cohort analysis. Hepatology 1999; 30:6.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.