Sclerotherapy for ablation of the gallbladder after gallstone lithotripsy with a mechanical lithotriptor. An experimental study in pigs on the effect of absolute ethanol on edematous gallbladder wall.

ABSTRACT

Chemical ablation of the gallbladder with absolute ethanol following mechanical lithotripsy with the RotoLith lithotriptor was attempted in 10 pigs after open cholecystostomy. Two gallbladders removed immediately after the sclerotherapy demonstrated extensive ulcerations of the mucosa with preserved glands and sinuses under the ulcerations. In 8 gallbladders removed 8 weeks after sclerotherapy a gallbladder remnant with hydrops and/or mucus and more or less intact epithelium was seen in all the pigs. In order to prevent regeneration of epithelium from gallbladder sinuses and glands, more effective sclerosing agents must be found.