Ultrasonography and biliary extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.

The results of shock-wave treatment of gallbladder stones depend to a very high degree on the quality and expertise of ultrasonography applied before, during, and after shock-wave disintegration of the stones. Ultrasonography is decisive in evaluating the inclusion criteria; it is the method of choice for directing the shockwave energy at the stones and monitoring the disintegration process. It is the only diagnostic modality to really demonstrate the gallbladder being free from stones.