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In the first-known application of its kind, shockwave lithotripsy and contact-solvent dissolution of large, calcified gallstone burdens were performed simultaneously with three chemical solvents, each tested separately in an in vitro model, with the combined effects on gallstone eradication examined. Two solvents, ethyl propionate and isopropyl acetate, were chosen for their solubilizing ability and potentially high level of patient safety. The third solvent, a 70%:30% mixture of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), was chosen for its known ability to accelerate the dissolution of calcium-containing gallstones. All stones were matched for size, weight, and number. Gallstone lithotripsy performed in ethyl propionate was significantly more effective (P less than .02) in the production of fragments less than 2 mm when compared with bile; lithotripsy with isopropyl acetate and the MTBE/DMSO mixture showed no statistically significant effect. Biliary lithotripsy performed in an ethyl propionate medium may enhance gallstone dissolution and the production of small fragments (diameter less than 2 mm).

Preface Chapter 1 Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Multidisciplinary Approach Chapter 2 GI Stenting-Indications and Techniques Chapter 3 Percutaneous Gastrostomy, Gastroenterostomy, and Jejunostomy Chapter 4 Percutaneous Colostomy Chapter 5 Perotineal/Retroperitoneal-Anatomy Relevance to Performance of Interventional Procedure

By using 16-F self-retaining feeding catheters, fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy was performed in 68 consecutive adult patients without the use of gastric fixation devices. Short-term (2-week) follow-up of all patients was available, with 30-day follow-up obtained in 94% of the study group (n = 64). Thirty-day mortality was 12%, with no procedure-related deaths. Major and minor morbidity rates were 4.7% and 7.8%, respectively. The mean procedure time was 7 minutes. These data compared favorably with those of series employing smaller catheters placed with and without the use of gastropexy, as well as surgical gastrostomy and gastropexy procedures. Percutaneous placement of large-caliber (16-F) gastrostomy catheters is safe, effective, and rapid in the adult population and can be accomplished routinely without the use of prior gastropexy.

The following case report describes the laparoscopic repair of a cholecystoduodenal fistula that was noted incidentally during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Rationale and objectives The authors evaluated a method of gallbladder sclerosis in the presence of cholelithiasis. Methods The study was performed in 20 pigs. The gallbladders of 16 pigs contained surgically placed human gallstones. Control groups included animals that had their gallbladders sclerosed in the absence of stones, as well as a surgical sham control. Sclerosis followed cystic duct ligation to prevent extravasation of the sclerosing agent (95% Ethanol with 2 mole% trifluoroacetic acid) into the biliary tree. After sclerosis, a pigtail catheter was placed in the gallbladder to drain any post-procedure fluid accumulations. Catheters were removed after all drainage had ceased. Animals were killed at either 8 weeks (n = 6) or 6 months (n = 14). Results Stones were enveloped within the sclerosed and fibrotic gallbladder remnant in 13 of 15 test animals (87%). Conclusions Sclerosis of gallbladders with stones in situ was achievable. Total mucosal obliteration did not appear to be required to produce a dysfunctional gallbladder in the time frame of this study.