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Initial experience with therasonic lithotriptor.
D J Mykulak1, I Grunberger, R J Macchia
1Department of Urology, University Hospital, State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn.
Urology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Piezoelectric shock wave lithotripsy effectively disintegrates urinary stones with high success rates. This anesthesia-free treatment offers a safe and low-cost option for kidney stone removal.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Urinary calculi (kidney stones) pose a significant health challenge.
- Existing treatments for kidney stones vary in cost, safety, and effectiveness.
- Piezoelectric shock wave lithotripsy presents a promising alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Therasonic lithotriptor for urinary stone disintegration.
- To assess fragmentation success rates and complication profiles.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 138 patients with 172 urinary calculi treated between December 1988 and November 1989.
- The Therasonic lithotriptor, utilizing piezoelectric shock wave technology, was employed for stone fragmentation.
- Fluoroscopic and ultrasound imaging were used for stone localization and treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- Successful fragmentation, defined as residual debris ≤4 mm, was achieved in 97% of patients with follow-up data.
- The overall retreatment rate was 21.2%, with 11% for stones measuring 0.5-2.0 cm.
- Complications were minimal, transient, and self-resolving.
Conclusions:
- The Therasonic lithotriptor provides an effective, safe, and anesthesia-free method for urinary stone disintegration.
- This technology demonstrates high fragmentation success rates with a low complication profile.
- Piezoelectric shock wave lithotripsy is a viable low-cost option for managing urinary calculi.