Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for gallstones. How effective is it?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved an investigational trial of biliary lithotripsy in the treatment of cholesterol gallstones. Preliminary results from Germany indicate that lithotripsy followed by oral bile acid medication results in the disappearance of the disintegrated gallstones in more than 90% of patients in one to two years. The procedure is an alternative to surgery for patients with cholesterol gallstones. The outpatient treatment and early resumption of normal activities are in contrast to the lengthy hospitalization and recovery required with cholecystectomy.