Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid that has been studied for its effect on cholesterol gallstones. While it is not commonly used directly in clinical practice, its related bile acid, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) are more widely utilized for the medical dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. The scientific rationale for using bile acids like deoxycholic acid lies in their ability to decrease cholesterol saturation in bile, thereby promoting the gradual dissolution of cholesterol stones over time.

Clinical studies from the 1970s and 1980s demonstrated that oral administration of bile acids could reduce the size of cholesterol gallstones or dissolve them entirely in select patients, particularly those with small, non-calcified stones and a functioning gallbladder. However, deoxycholic acid is less commonly used than CDCA or UDCA, as it is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects and has less favorable pharmacokinetics. UDCA, in particular, is now preferred due to its higher efficacy and lower side effect profile.

In summary, the use of bile acids (including deoxycholic acid) for gallstone dissolution is scientifically validated, though deoxycholic acid itself is not the first-choice agent. The evidence supporting this class of compounds for cholesterol gallstone dissolution is robust, but clinical practice favors safer bile acids. Surgical removal remains the definitive treatment for most gallstone cases.