Chemical Ablation of the Gallbladder: Evaluation of Multiple Agents in Vitro

Abstract

To find a more effective chemical regimen for transcatheter ablation of the gallbladder in an in vitro model. Sectioned and whole pig gallbladders were exposed in vitro to 12 different chemical solutions at varying conditions of exposure time, pH, and temperature. In the in vitro studies, 0.1 N and 1.0 N solutions of sodium hydroxide in water or ethanol and 3% hydrogen peroxide were the most effective sclerosant agents. Ethanol and hydrochloric acid failed to completely eliminate the epithelium from the gallbladder sections. Increasing exposure time from 10 to 20 minutes or increasing the temperature of the solutions from 37 degrees C to 50 degrees C did not alter these results. Sequential 15-minute exposures to 0.1 N sodium hydroxide in ethanol followed by peroxide completely eliminated the epithelium from whole gallbladders in vitro. Alkaline solutions and hydrogen peroxide are more effective than ethanol alone, acids, or detergents in eliminating gallbladder epithelium in this model. Further evaluation of these agents in vivo is merited.