Electromagnetically generated extracorporeal shockwaves for fragmentation of extra-and intrahepatic bile duct stones: indications, success and problems during a 15 months clinical experience.
Electromagnetically generated extracorporeal shock waves (without waterbath) were applied after intravenous premedication with 10-15 mg diazepam and 100 mg tramadol in the treatment of 33 patients (aged 32 to 91 years) with multiple intrahepatic stones (n = 4) or huge common bile duct stones (n = 29, 18-30 mm in diameter), which could not be removed by conventional endoscopy. Stone disintegration was achieved in 70% of common bile duct stones and in all intrahepatic concrements after 800-7500 discharges, which were applied during one (n = 21), two (n = 6) or three sessions (n = 6). Apart from mild fleabite-like petechiae at the side of shock wave transmission no other side effects were observed for a total of 51 procedures. We believe electromagnetically generated shock waves are safe, easy to apply, and relatively effective in the therapy of common bile duct and intrahepatic stones.
Staritz
M
M
I Medical Department, University of Mainz, FRG.
Rambow
A
A
Grosse
A
A
Hurst
A
A
Floth
A
A
Mildenberger
P
P
Goebel
M
M
Junginger
T
T
Hohenfellner
R
R
Thelen
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged