Micro-explosion cystolithotripsy.

According to the newly established method of micro-explosion lithotripsy, a cystolithotriptor with an explosive catheter, the tip of which was charged with 5 mg. lead azide explosives, was developed. In 3 clinical cases bladder stones from 32 to 65 mm. in diameter were crushed successfully into several fragments by 1 to 8 explosions using the cystolithotriptor. The fragments then were smashed into grains with Young's cystoscope and washed out by aspiration. This success may prove the usefulness of micro-explosion lithotripsy, which also may be introduced for the treatment of calculi in other organs in the future.