Fragmentation of gallstones with extracorporeal schock wave lithotriptor

Abstract

Thirty seven cases with cholecystolithiasis and a case with choledocal stone were treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithiotriptor (Direx, triptor X1). Successful fragmentation, defined as all residual fragments measuring less than 8 mm in greatest dimension, was obtained in 66 per cent of cases. When size of stone was smaller and calcification was fewer, better fragmentation was seen. Number of stone was not always obstacle to successful treatment.
No complication was observed other than transient cutaneous petechiae and microscopic hematuria.