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Anecdotal reports suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can reduce occurrences of biliary pain, acute cholecystitis, and biliary pancreatitis in patients with gallstones. However, its efficacy in such patients has not been well studied. In this double-blind Dutch trial, investigators assessed the effects of UDCA in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease who were awaiting elective cholecystectomy.
Researchers enrolled 177 patients (mean age, 46; 25% male) with documented gallstones, classic symptoms of biliary colic during the past 12 months, and no evidence of bile duct stones. Patients were randomized to receive daily UDCA (750 mg) or placebo for up to 12 months. Predefined primary endpoints were biliary colic and colic-free interva…