[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of pancreatic calculi]

Extracorporeal shock-wave fragmentation of pancreatic stones is a complementary non-surgical treatment in selected patients with chronic pancreatitis. The procedure has proven to be safe and technically effective. Preliminary clinical results indicate therapeutic success rates in terms of pain disappearance or reduction in more than 90% of the patients. The indication should be taken into consideration before surgical intervention.