GALLSTONES - WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR NONSURGICAL TREATMENT

Although surgery remains the ultimate treatment for symptomatic gallst one disease, the number of nonsurgical alternatives continues to grow. It is important to consider these options. The patient's age and over all health and the composition, number, and size of gallstones are maj or factors in determining whether alternative methods of therapy are a ppropriate. Many patients are eliminated from consideration when crite ria for nonsurgical therapy are carefully followed. For example, oral dissolution therapy is relatively effective, but only about 20% to 25% of patients are candidates.