[Clinical use of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor, Biolithos MARK III, for upper urinary tract stone]

The results of clinical use of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter (Biolithos MARK III) are presented. From May 1991 through February 1992, a total of 50 sessions were carried out on 33 patients with upper urinary tract stones. Treatments were performed on an outpatient basis, and none of the patients needed anesthesia or analgesia. One month after the last session, 18 patients (54.5%) were free from stone fragments and 6 (18.2%) had stone fragments equal to or smaller than 4 mm. The over-all successful rate obtained by these categories was 72.7%. After treatment no serious complications were observed. Although gross hematuria appeared in almost all patients, pain was noted in only 5 patients. Laboratory data after treatments showed slight and transient changes. It is concluded that Biolithos MARK III is useful and safe in the management of upper urinary tract stones on an outpatient basis.