[The Dornier Compact: one year experience with a new generation mobile unit lithotriptor for the treatment of renal and ureteral calculi].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical results after one year's experience with a new generation lithotriptor, the Dornier Compact Delta.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors treated 278 patients between the ages of 7 and 88 years, presenting with ureteral stones in 49% of cases. The mean stone diameter was 10.5 (range: 3 to 50 mm). The Compact Delta is equipped with a fixed or induced frequency electromagnetic shock wave generator. Stones are visualized by digital fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound scanning. Therapeutic centering is performed by isocentric displacement of the patient. Corrections can be easily made during treatment. An average of 3,202 (range: 500-5,800) shock waves were applied with a mean energy level of 4.5 (range: 1-6). Treatment was performed without premedication.

RESULTS

A feeling of discomfort or even pain was reported in 75% of cases and treated with intravenous analgesic. Ninety-five per cent of patients were discharged with no residual stones or with residual fragments in the process of spontaneous evacuation. This result was obtained with one treatment session in 66% of cases and two sessions in 25% of cases. Five per cent of patients required a postoperative complementary manipulation.

CONCLUSION

The combination of digital fluoroscopic and ultrasound stone detection ensures rapid and reliable localization. The Compact Delta is efficient and does not induce any complications. The preliminary results with this new mobile system show an equivalent efficacy to that of the fixed system with greater flexibility and improved comfort of use.