The Spontaneous Disappearance Of Gallstones
American Journal of Roentgenology 99(3): March 1967; 637-64
View Original Source →Abstract
The rarity of the reports of the spontaneous disappearance of calculi from the gallbladder is considered. It is suggested once again that gallbladder calculi can and do pass painlessly through the biliary duct system. The spontaneous disappearance of calculi in the post-pregnancy state is again noted. It is recommended that if a significant painless interval elapses between the demonstration of calculi and surgery, particularly if the calculi are small, repeat cholecystography be performed prior to surgery.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
26-year-old female, post-pregnancy
Clinical Characteristics
Acute attack of upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting, nonfunctioning gallbladder, poorly functioning gallbladder with many tiny calculi, asymptomatic for the past 2 years
Remission Characteristics
Spontaneous disappearance of calculi, normal gallbladder study
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Gallbladder calculi can and do pass painlessly through the biliary duct system
Clinical Treatment
Repeat cholecystography, repeat gallbladder series
Additional Notes
The patient elected to defer surgery. The spontaneous disappearance of calculi in the post-pregnancy state is again noted.