Pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of cholelithiasis

Pharmacol Ther. 1992;53(2):167-85. doi: 10.1016/0163-7258(92)90007-m.

Abstract

Several factors are involved in the development of gallstone formation: formation of supersaturated bile; nucleation; formation, retention and adhesion of cholesterol crystals and eventually stone growth. The dynamics of the gallbladder may play a key role in the overall process. The pathophysiologic theory of cholesterol gallstone formation and the knowledge of their physico-chemical properties support the modern concept of gallstone therapy. Chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic have been widely used as cholesterol gallstone dissolving agents and evaluated in terms of efficacy and safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Acids and Salts / chemistry
  • Bile Acids and Salts / therapeutic use*
  • Chenodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Cholelithiasis* / drug therapy
  • Cholelithiasis* / etiology
  • Cholelithiasis* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lithotripsy
  • Safety
  • Solubility
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Chenodeoxycholic Acid
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid