Question:

Which of the following is a contraindication for medical treatment in gallstones?

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Bile acid therapy only dissolves non-calcified cholesterol stones.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Radio-opaque stones
  • Radiolucent stones
  • Normal functioning gall bladder
  • Small stones
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand medical dissolution therapy.
Oral bile acid therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid) dissolves gallstones only when the stones are composed predominantly of cholesterol.

Step 2: Define the favourable stone profile.
Cholesterol stones are radiolucent on plain X-ray. Ideal candidates have small (less than 1 cm), radiolucent, cholesterol stones in a normally functioning gallbladder with a patent cystic duct.

Step 3: Identify the contraindication.
Radio-opaque stones are calcified (pigment or mixed) stones. They will NOT dissolve with bile acids, so radio-opacity is a contraindication to medical dissolution therapy.

Step 4: Confirm the other options favour treatment.
Radiolucent stones, a normally functioning gallbladder and small stones are all FAVOURABLE features that support dissolution therapy, not contraindications.

Conclusion: Radio-opaque stones contraindicate medical treatment, matching the printed key.
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