Endoscopic lithotripsy with a new device combining ultrasound and lithoclast.
OBJECTIVE
Endoscopic lithotripsy is still the method of choice for a number of stones, especially large stones. Various disintegration techniques exist. We investigated the combination of two of these techniques: ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripsy.


METHODS
Fourteen consecutive patients with renal and one patient with bladder stones were treated with this new device. Ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripsy could be used independently or simultaneously.


RESULTS
Disintegration and stone removal was fast. The use of forceps or other instruments could generally be avoided. No complications attributable to the lithotripsy device were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined ultrasound/pneumatic lithotripsy device is safe and highly effective. It reduces treatment time and enhances surgeon's comfort.
Haupt
G
G
Department of Urology, University of Cologne, Germany. gerald.haupt@uni-koeln.de
Sabrodina
N
N
Orlovski
M
M
Haupt
A
A
Krupin
V
V
Engelmann
U
U
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019233:Retreatment