Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of biliary stones.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the newest, the most rapid and most promising nonsurgical treatment for symptomatic patients with radiolucent (cholesterol) gallstones in a well opacified (functioning) gallbladder. About 10% of patients with gallstones fulfill the requirements to be selected for ESWL. Results indicate 78% of stone free patients at 12 months and 93% at 24 months, regardless of the size and number of treated stones. The cost-benefit trade-offs of ESWL versus conventional surgical treatment is still a matter of debate.
La Bella
A
A
Gimondo
P
P
D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy