[Clinical application of a third generation lithotripter (Therasonic) for upper urinary tract calculi]

A third generation lithotripter (THERASONIC Lithotripsy Treatment System) was used for disintegration of upper urinary tract calculi. A total of 115 patients was treated at Miki Municipal Hospital, 54 with renal calculi, 8 with UPJ calculi, 30 with upper and 23 with lower ureter calculi. The stone-free rate one month after treatment was 89%, 88%, 90% and 100% for renal, UPJ, upper ureter and lower ureter calculi, respectively. As for side effects, we experienced two cases of perinephric hematoma which were treated conservatively. However, we encountered no other severe complications. These findings clearly indicated that the THERASONIC lithotripter is highly useful for disintegration of calculi of the upper urinary tract.