The non-surgical treatments of gallstones have been notable, if only for their lack of success. They rely on attempting to dissolve the gallstones and by necessity are protracted treatments. The major flaw is that the gall bladder has become "scarred by the stones and hence the gall bladder's inability to contract will inevitably lead to their recurrence
Oral Treatments - Drugs such as ursodeoxycolic acid may be prescribed.
The treatment may last up to 2 years, but most gallstones recur within months of stopping medication
Direct Treatments - MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether); a chemical added to gasoline to improve engine running; may be used to try and dissolve gall stones.
A tube is inserted into the gall bladder via the nose and the chemical injected into the gall bladder.
It is not frequently used as a treatment.