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[Biliary shock-wave lithotripsy. Fragmentation and lysis--a new procedure]
L Greiner1, H Wenzel, C Jakobeit
1Abteilung für Gastroenterologie, Städtischen Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Klinikums, Wuppertal.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 4, 1987
Summary
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy combined with oral chemolitholysis effectively treats gallstones in many patients. This minimally invasive approach offers a promising alternative to surgery for select gallstone cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Context:
- Gallstones affect a significant portion of the population, often necessitating surgical intervention.
- Cholecystectomy, while effective, carries inherent risks and recovery periods.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of combining extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with oral chemolitholysis for treating symptomatic gallstones.
- To assess the fragmentation rates, stone-free status, and overall outcomes in patients undergoing this combined therapy.
Summary:
- A study involving 157 patients demonstrated high rates of gallstone fragmentation (94.3%) using ESWL and chemolitholysis.
- Complete stone clearance was achieved in 19.7% of patients, with significant fragment reduction in 61.8%.
- The combined treatment showed promise as an alternative to cholecystectomy for patients with 1-3 noncalcified cholesterol stones (less than 25 mm).
Impact:
- This combined therapeutic approach offers a less invasive option for managing select gallstone conditions.
- Successful non-surgical treatment can reduce patient recovery times and associated healthcare costs.
- Further research may validate this method as a standard alternative to surgical gallstone removal.