RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 When to dissolve stones in the gallbladder JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 65 OP 67 DO 10.1136/dtb.23.17.65 VO 23 IS 17 YR 1985 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/23/17/65.abstract AB Oral drugs have now been used for several years to dissolve cholesterol-rich gallstones, as an alternative to elective cholecystectomy. Although such ‘cholelitholytic’ therapy has its devotees, it has not made a major impact on cholecystectomy rates. Drug treatment might seem a welcome alternative to surgery, but its success depends on selecting the right patients with the right stones.