Gallstone disease (cholesterol stones)

Formation of stones in the gallbladder or biliary tract. Most stones are cholesterol. Symptomatic stones are an indication for cholecystectomy. Medical dissolution with ursodeoxycholic acid is reserved for a narrow group of patients with surgical contraindications.

ICD-10 K801 drug

Also known as: Cholelithiasis

Drugs used for this condition

BUrsodeoxycholic acidCase-by-case decision · Bile acid preparationsMedical litholysis is reserved for a narrow group of patients with symptomatic cholesterol stones and contraindications to surgery. Conditions: radiolucent stones smaller than 10 mm occupying less than half the gallbladder, with preserved gallbladder function. Dose 10–15 mg/kg at bedtime for 6–24 months. Complete dissolution in 30–60 %, with 5-year recurrence of 30–50 %. Cholecystectomy remains standard for symptomatic stones.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit