Piezo-ceramic lithotripsy of gallbladder stones: initial experience in 38 patients

The efficacy, safety, and side-effects of a piezo-ceramic system for extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of gallbladder stones were assessed in the first 38 patients treated. Gallstone fragmentation was achieved in 34 patients; 25 required more than 1 treatment session (range 1-5). Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, conducted without sedation, analgesia, or anaesthesia, was well tolerated by all patients; no patient reported pain or discomfort either during or after the procedure. Side-effects were negligible: transient microscopic haematuria in 2 patients, transiently abnormal liver function tests in 1, and short-lived cutaneous petechiae in 4. Initial experience shows that lithotripsy with this system is effective, safe, and well tolerated.