ABSTRACT
The investigations were carried out on 50 patients of both sexes, divided into 2 groups. The first group was formed by 30 patients, suffering from cholelithiasis, who underwent cholecystectomy. Half of these subjects were administered Xantociclina by oral route 5 hours before the operation, while the other half orally received an equivalent dose of tetracycline HC1. The antibiotic levels found in the bile taken during the operation, showed to be markedly higher after Xantociclina administration; the statistical analysis of the values obtained pointed out a most significant difference. The second group was formed by 20 patients suffering from acute cholecystitis; x-rays investigations had pointed out an obstruction of the gallbladder. In these subjects, divided into 2 groups of 10 each, and treated in the same way as those whose cystic ducts were free from obstruction, the antibiotic activity was determined not only in the bile but also in the homogenate of the gallbladder tissue. Markedly higher antibiotic concentrations were found after treatment with Xantociclina, both in the bile and in the gallbladder tissue homogenate. On the basis of the results obtained, the Authors maintain that the new antibiotic derivative can be usefully employed for the treatment of acute and chronic biliary disorders.