[Initial experience with ESWL therapy of pancreatic duct calculi]

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of pancreatic stones was performed in four patients with chronic pancreatitis and a dilated duct system harbouring stones 5-12 mm in diameter. The stones were disintegrated by shock waves using a Dornier lithotripter in one or more sessions. Disintegration of stones was achieved in 4/4 patients, initial (6-11 months) relief of pain in 3/4 patients, and total clearance of pancreatic duct in 3/4 patients. No complications were observed. In the first patient in whom ESWL was not completely successful, underwent an operation: a longitudinal pancreato-gastrostomy and the stones were found completely disintegrated. From these early data they conclude that ESWL of pancreatic duct stones is a provisional new alternative for surgery in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.