First clinical experience and in situ treatment of ureteric stones using Lithostar Multiline lithotripter

This article reviews the first experience using the Siemens Lithostar Multiline lithotripter in 372 consecutive treatments of ureteric and kidney stones. The disintegration rate was 97.7%, and a stone-free rate of 87% was achieved at the end of 3 months. Auxillary procedures were required in only 11% of the patients. No medication was required for pain management in 60.4% of the patients. The results were especially impressive in the management of ureteric stones, with a success rate of 91%, these patients being stone free after 1 week using the new booster technique. Analysis of the data indicates that the Siemens Lithostar Multiline is a safe, effective, and economically sound device to treat patients with ureteric and renal stones.