Is Buscopan (Hyoscine) used for the treatment of cholelithiasis?

From the Guidelines

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is not a primary treatment for cholelithiasis (gallstones) but may provide temporary symptomatic relief during acute pain episodes. It works as an antispasmodic medication that relaxes smooth muscle in the biliary tract, potentially reducing pain caused by gallstone-related spasms. The typical adult dose is 10-20 mg taken orally up to four times daily, or 20 mg administered intramuscularly or intravenously during acute attacks. However, Buscopan only addresses symptoms and does not treat the underlying gallstones. Definitive management of cholelithiasis typically requires surgical intervention (cholecystectomy) for symptomatic cases, or in some instances, medications like ursodeoxycholic acid for stone dissolution. While using Buscopan for temporary relief, patients should avoid fatty foods that can trigger gallbladder contractions and pain. It's essential to note that persistent or severe pain, fever, jaundice, or vomiting warrant immediate medical attention as these may indicate complications like cholecystitis or biliary obstruction requiring urgent intervention, as suggested by guidelines for the treatment of gallstones 1.

Some key points to consider in the management of cholelithiasis include:

• Expectant management is recommended for patients with asymptomatic gallstones, given the benign history and low risk for major complications 1.
• Symptomatic patients may require surgical intervention or other treatments to manage their symptoms and prevent future complications 1.
• The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the patient's treatment goals, attitudes, and risk factors for gallbladder cancer 1.
• Nonsurgical methods, such as oral bile acids or lithotripsy, may be considered for certain patients, but their use is limited and often requires specific criteria to be met 1.

Overall, the management of cholelithiasis requires a comprehensive approach that considers the patient's individual needs, risk factors, and treatment goals, as well as the potential benefits and risks of different treatment options, as outlined in the guidelines for the treatment of gallstones 1.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Cholelithiasis

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis 2
• Medical treatment is indicated for patients who are not fit or are afraid of surgery, and includes oral bile acids, bile acids as adjuncts to lithotripsy, and contact dissolution using methyltertbutylether 2
• The choice of treatment depends mainly on gallstone size, with gallstones < 6 mm in diameter best treated with oral bile acids, and single stones < 30 mm in diameter or multiple stones (n < 3) best treated with lithotripsy combined with oral bile acid for dissolution of fragments 2

Management of Cholelithiasis

• Management is dependent on severity and frequency of symptoms, and may include lifestyle and dietary modifications combined with medication management, such as use of gallstone dissolution agents 3
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for individuals with severe and/or recurrent symptoms 3
• Endoscopic and surgical approaches are used to manage cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis, with a debate still existing on how to cure the two diseases at the same time 4

Diagnosis and Treatment of Choledocholithiasis

• Choledocholithiasis develops in about 10%-20% of patients with gallbladder stones, and CBD stones may be discovered preoperatively, intraoperatively or postoperatively 5
• Multiple modalities are available for assessing patients for choledocholithiasis, including laboratory tests, ultrasound, computed tomography scans (CT), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) 5
• The most common intervention for CBD stones is ERCP, with other commonly used interventions including intraoperative bile duct exploration, either laparoscopic or open 5

Buscopan for Cholelithiasis

• There is no mention of Buscopan in the provided studies as a treatment option for cholelithiasis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• The provided studies discuss various treatment options for cholelithiasis, including surgery, non-surgical therapies, and pain management strategies, but do not mention Buscopan as a treatment option 2, 3, 4, 5, 6