[Cost-effectiveness analysis of extracorporeal lithotripsy].

The recent introduction of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ECL) for the treatment of urinary stones has raised new questions for doctors and economic policy decision makers. This study presents a cost-effectiveness analysis of extracorporeal lithotripsy conducted in an Italian hospital which has used a Sonolith 3000 lithotriptor since 1989. The overall cost of treatment by ECL (of a simple case of urinary stones) is 5,080 FF and the cost per cured case (taking into account the number of sessions per patient and the percentage of cured cases) varies between 6,200 FF and 9,500 FF. The results obtained (influenced by the lack of certain clinical data due to the recent use of this technique) appear to be in favour of extension of ECL treatments in comparison with surgical treatment due to their lower cost, lower morbidity and shorter convalescent period.