Biliary extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become standard therapy for the treatment of kidney stones since its introduction in 1980; a similar technique is now being used for many patients with gallstones. This article reviews the technique of biliary ESWL, examines the results of clinical studies to date, and makes recommendations as to who may ultimately benefit from this procedure.