[Shock-wave lithotripsy in the treatment of 12 patients with choledocholithiasis using an apparatus manufactured in Czechoslovakia].

Lithotripsy by shock wave was performed in 12 patients with choledocholithiasis using the authors' own apparatus. The shock wave is created by an electric spark and the concentration is made by a rotational semi-elipsoid. The pressures attained in the second focus are 150 MPa. The focusing of the stones and the setting to the site of maximal pressures is made by means of two X-ray projections. Patients were indicated for the procedure when the method of endoscopic extraction had failed. Before the procedure a nasobiliary drain was inserted and after administration of analgesia on average 520 shocks were applicated. During the procedure no complications were observed. Fragmentation was achieved in 11 patients. Spontaneous release of fragments was recorded in five of the patients and in 6 during the check-up ERCP endoscopic extraction was made.