[Piezoelectric lithotripsy of gallstones. Initial clinical experiences]

Piezoelectric lithotripsy was undertaken on 50 patients with gallbladder stones, none of them requiring anaesthesia, analgetics or sedatives. Stone fragmentation was achieved in all patients during the first treatment. In 44 patients the maximum fragment size was less than 50% of the initial stone diameter. The mean maximum fragment size after the first treatment was 4.3 mm (+/- 3.3 mm). After a follow-up of 0-2 months in 14 of the 50 patients and of 2-4 months in 6 of 13 patients, no more stones could be seen by ultrasonography. After an average period of 8 weeks, 17 of 50 patients were free of stones. Piezoelectric lithotripsy did not have any severe side effects besides a mild pancreatitis in one patient.