[Endoscopic lithotripsy by means of Lithoclast]

We evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy with the Lithoclast for urinary tract calculi. The use of this stone disintegration system and the possible complications are described.

We performed a retrospective analysis of the results achieved in the first 100 patients (156 stones) that had been treated with this system at different sites. The patients were evaluated radiologically early postoperatively and throughout follow up (mean 12 months).

Stone fragmentation could not be achieved in three patients, the only failures. The early postoperative assessment showed residual stones in 13% of the patients; 5 patients spontaneously passed the stone remnants and 8% had stone remnants on radiological evaluation during follow up. The only remarkable complication was a perforated ureter which required no surgery.

In our experience, the Lithoclast lithotripsy system is effective at any level of the urinary tract. It has a low complication rate and is simple and low-cost.