In vitro fragmentation of renal calculi of different components using electrohydraulic shock wave, ultrasound, and pulsed dye laser as energy sources: a preliminary report.

Renal calculi of five different components (whewellite, weddellite, struvite/apatite, uric acid, and cystine) received in vitro fragmentation by three energy sources currently available in endourology: electrohydraulic shock waves, ultrasound, and pulsed dye laser. Weddellite, struvite/apatite, and uric acid calculi were sufficiently disintegrated by all three energy sources. Whewellite stone was best treated by electrohydraulic shock waves, while cystine calculus was penetrated only by ultrasound. The ultrasonic lithotriptor was safer, but weaker and more cumbersome. The electrohydraulic lithotriptor was more powerful, but violent. The laser lithotriptor was both safe and powerful. However, there was not a single energy source that sufficiently disintegrated all five kinds of calculi mentioned.