[Acoustic and roentgenologic classification of gallstones and effectiveness of lithotripsy]

The influence of chemical and physical properties of gallstones on the effectiveness of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ECLT) was studied to work out the selection criteria for this procedure. 1020 patients with calculous cholecystitis have been examined. The acoustic and roentgenologic classification of gallstones was worked out on the basis of acoustic properties and X-ray transparency of gallstones. 5 types of acoustic and roentgenologic types of gallstones were distinguished. The effectiveness of ECLT in different types of gallstones was evaluated. Acoustic and roentgenologic properties of a gallstone appeared to be very important factor of the effectiveness of ECLT. In 1st type of gallstone the effectiveness of ECLT was 97%, in 2d type--89%, in 3d type--35%, in 4th type--42% and in 5th type--0%. The selection criteria for ECLT were formulated on the basis of a gallstone type, functional status of the gallbladder, the number and size of the concrements. The use of the mentioned above criteria made it possible to increase effectiveness of ECLT for more than 20%.