[Experimental studies on shock-wave cholelithotripsy].

An experimental device for extracorporeal shock-wave cholelithotripsy has been tested. It is characterized by an electromagnetic acoustic source and focussing of the stones by ultrasound. After in vivo experiments with 45 calculi twelve pigs, seven of them with surgically implanted human gallstones, were treated. Most concrements were only partially disintegrated. A combination with MTBE-litholysis improved the results. The by far most important complication we saw were extensive hemorrhages in the basal segments of both lungs. The quite different anatomy suggests that shock-wave cholelithotripsy in man will not be accompanied by severe lung lesions. Patients suffering from gallbladder stones should be treated in the prone position and in deep inspiration. A maximum of 2,000 shock-waves with an energy of 18 to 20 kV should be administered in one session.