Which medical treatment is typically used for gallstone disease in patients unfit for surgery?

In managing gallstone disease, particularly in patients who are unfit for surgery, the use of ursodeoxycholic acid is a recognized approach. This treatment works by reducing the cholesterol content of bile, thereby dissolving cholesterol gallstones over time. It is often indicated for patients who cannot undergo surgical intervention due to comorbidities or other risks associated with surgery.

The other options have different roles in the context of gallstone disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, are primarily used for pain management rather than directly treating gallstone disease. Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is considered the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones but is not suitable for patients who cannot tolerate surgery. Antibiotics may be indicated if there is an infection or cholangitis related to gallstones, but they do not address the underlying gallstone issue itself.

Therefore, ursodeoxycholic acid is the most appropriate treatment option for gallstone disease in patients who cannot undergo surgical procedures.