Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of ureteric stones with the Modulith SL 20

A series of 138 patients with ureteric calculi was treated by in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) during the clinical introduction of the Modulith SL 20. This machine represents a newly developed lithotriptor with an electromagnetic cylinder as shock wave source and a dual localisation system consisting of in-line ultrasound and an integrated fluoroscope C-arm. During the first 2 months, 12 patients (phase 1) were treated under ultrasound localisation alone; during the next 5 months, 37 patients (phase 2) were treated using dual imaging modalities with reduced peak pressure (max. 18 kV = 800 bar); during the final 7 months, 89 patients (phase 3) were treated under ultrasonic and fluoroscopic localisation combined with an increased maximal shock wave pressure (20 kV = 1024 bar). The introduction of fluoroscopic targeting (phases 2 and 3) resulted in satisfactory localisation of calculi in the mid-ureter, previously limited by use of only coaxial ultrasound. The extension of stone localisation to the whole length of the ureter was associated with a marked decrease in treatment time, reflecting the easy handling of the dual localisation system. The rise in generator voltage (phase 3) improved the disintegration rate from 81% (phase 2) to 85%, whereas the number of impulses remained unchanged. However, the rate of auxiliary procedures following ESWL (adjuvant and curative) was reduced from 33% (phase 2) to 24.5%. Thus the Modulith SL 20 in its final design enables in situ ESWL to be the treatment of choice for all ureteric calculi, rendering special positioning techniques or multiple treatment unnecessary.