[Combined ultrasound and roentgen localization in ESWL. Initial clinical experiences]

Interdisciplinary use of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy with sonographic or fluoroscopic guidance has become a routine procedure in clinical practice, for both urolithiasis and cholecystolithiasis. Therefore, newly developed systems with combined locating devices are gaining in importance. A primary sonographically guided lithotripter was extended by a mobile X-ray system. The results were compared with those obtained with a first-generation lithotripter. The results show that sufficient disintegration of stones throughout the urinary tract is possible with both systems. The retreatment rate with both lithotripters was 30% when stone size was comparable. No essential differences in treatment time, shockwave energy and pain were found. The easy localisation of radiolucent stones, convenient positioning of the patient and successful localisation of ureteral stones near to the spine are advantages of the MPL 9000 X. On the other hand, the technically simpler fluoroscopy system and greater ease of electrode changing are advantages of the HM3 Lithotripter. Altogether, differences in the application of the two systems are slight and insignificant except in special cases.