Intensified ESWL of gallstones: dissociation of pulverisation, pain relief and stone-clearance
Brand, B.; Groth, J.; Lerche, L.; Stange, E.F.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 45(19): 70-76
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 9496490 Document Number: 485693
Background/Aims: Recently, intensified shock wave lithotripsy for gallstone pulverisation and subsequent clearance without bile salt medication has been advocated. We report our first 44 patients treated by this regime: Patients with intact gallbladder function and symptomatic gallstones of any size, number and composition. Methodology: Forty-four consecutive patients who received intensified shock wave lithotripsy for gallstone pulverisation and clearance were included in this study. The patients all had intact gallbladder function and presented with symptomatic gallstones of any size, number and composition. Results: Pulverisation was achieved in 75% of all cases (12 months), but only 34% were stone free. The proportion of patients with stone pulverisation compared to subsequent complete clearance was 93% versus 60% in small (