Biliary lithotripsy--a smashing solution

1. To ensure that the energy of the shock wave is not dissipated before it reaches the stone, an airtight seal must be established between the patient and the acoustic lens that separates the water in the spark gap chamber from the patient. 2. Laboratory tests and ultrasound exams must be done at 24 hours and 1 month intervals for 6 months after treatment to determine if the patient is stone-free. 3. Patients treated with biliary lithotripsy have less pain, a shorter recovery period, and less chance of infection than those who have cholecystectomies.