[Percutaneous transhepatic laser lithotripsy of gallstones--results of animal experiments].

Since laserinduced shock wave lithotripsy of gallstones is possible for treatment of common bile duct stones, the percutaneous transhepatic laserlithotripsy of stones in the gallbladder is examined in an animal study. In 8 animal experiments it could be shown that puncture of the gallbladder, dilatation of the working channel, (laserinduced) shock wave lithotripsy, removal of the fragments and the instruments are possible in one session. Neither when performing simple closure of the wound by suture nor by fibrinsealing severe side-effects could be recognized. After laserlithotripsy ablation of epithelium and hematomas can be observed, which are restituted within one month. The experiments show that in organ-saving shockwave lithotripsy there is no need for waiting for the development of a fistula and the percutaneous approach can be simplified.