Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of gallstones: Boston experience with the Dornier MPL 9000 lithotripter

After the success of shock-wave therapy for fragmentation of renal stones, machines for shock-wave therapy of gallbladder stones were quick to follow. In Munich, gallstones were successfully treated in 174 of 175 patients who were also taking ursodiol to help solubilize the calculous rubble left after treatment. In Boston, of the initial 87 patients accepted, 58 were treated for a single stone (mean diameter 15.7 mm), 16 were treated for 2 stones, and 13 for 3 stones. Although reporting of exact results is not possible before the Food and Drug Administration issues a clearance, it is fair to say that both patients and physicians are generally pleased with the results.