Abstract

In last 2 decades three new non-operative methods for the treatment of gallbladder stones have appeared. 1) Treatment with oral bile acids, 2) Topical application of methyl terthbutyl ether, 3) Extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). These new techniques have some disadvantages in that they have only a moderate initial success rate and a high recurance rate. Also, almost 60 % of patients with cholelithiasis have one or more contraindications to these new therapıes. Although cholecystectomy is still the gold standart for the treatment of gallbladder stones. Recently ESWL plus oral bile acid treatment has found many supporters. In patients with bile duct stones, very successful results have been obtained by using endoscopic procedures and or ESWL. Surgery is only necessary in cases in which nonoperative methods are unsuccessful.