[Contact lithotripsy. Advantages and disadvantages].
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.
Iglesias Prieto
J I
JI
Unidad de Litiasis Renal y Endourología, Urología, Clinica La Luz, Madrid, España.
Pérez-Castro Ellendt
E
E
D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000628:therapy*