title: [Contact lithotripsy. Advantages and disadvantages].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the different methods of contact lithotripsy by intracavitary direct contact or very close approximation of different rigid and flexible energy-transmitting devices (probes, fibers, etc.).
  
  
  METHODS
  The systems commonly used, as well as those that have fallen into disuse or have not been developed further, are briefly described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although no contact lithotripsy system is clearly superior over another, in our experience the electrokinetic system (Walz) is highly effective and simple to use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contact lithotripsy permits stone disintegration and removal of fragments during the same surgical procedure. It improves the rate of completeness of stone removal and permits earlier functional recovery of the obstructed renal unit.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Litiasis Renal y Endourología, Urología, Clinica La Luz, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Iglesias Prieto
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pérez-Castro Ellendt
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000628:therapy*