Experience with 500 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy patients using a low-cost unit: the "Econolith"

The Econolith (Medispec Ltd.) is a modular extracorporeal shockwave (SWL) system that uses the spark gap as its source for lithotripsy. In this study, the immediate and late results and complications in 500 patients (640 treatments) treated with this machine during the last 2 years were summarized. An average fragmentation rate of 86% was achieved after the first treatment. A stone-free situation at 3 months was achieved in 75% of the cases; 18% had small (< 5mm) fragments, and 7% had larger fragments. Auxiliary procedures were required in 8% of the patients. Minor complications such as hematuria, colic, and urinary tract infection were seen in 6% of the patients. The Econolith system is safe and effective. Its mobility and low cost enable any urologist to use this technology even with a low monthly turnover of patients.