[The value of shockwave lithotripsy]

The standard treatment for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis remains surgery, the present method of choice being laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Noninvasive treatment options are available, but should be restricted to selected cases. Extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an alternative to noninvasive treatment, provided the patients are carefully selected. The main disadvantages include prolonged administration of gall salts and the problem of stone recurrence.