Five-year clinical experience with the Dornier Delta lithotriptor

Multiple studies support the clinical value of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of symptomatic urolithiasis. Although prior investigations have examined such efficacy among several commercially available lithotriptors, no published data exist to support the efficacy of the Dornier Delta lithotriptor.

A retrospective review of 4621 patients with urolithiasis treated with the Dornier Delta lithotriptor from 1999 through 2004 was undertaken. Data were obtained regarding stone location, stone size, shockwave usage, total success rate, and complications.

From January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2004, 4621 patients with 7347 stones were treated with the Dornier Delta lithotriptor. Of these stones, 74.38% were located in the kidney, and 25.62% were confined to the ureter. Of renal stones, 22.8% were in the renal pelvis, whereas upper, middle, and lower pole stones constituted 16.3%, 23.3%, and 37.6%, respectively. Of ureteral stones, 72.2% were in the proximal ureter, compared with 14.2% and 13.6% in the mid- and distal ureter, respectively. The majority of stones were less than 1 cm (65.7%). The average number of shocks was 2037. Average shockwave intensity was 5.5 (out of 6). Average treatment time was 23.8 minutes. Of those patients that completed follow-up, 85.1% achieved total success, with 58.5% being stone free and 26.6% having fragments less than 4 mm. The efficiency quotient was 0.51.

Treatment of renal and/or ureteral stones in selected patients with the Dornier Delta lithotriptor is appropriate. The total success rate and efficiency quotient is consistent with that of other available lithotriptors.