THE EFFECTS OF LITHOTRIPSY ON ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES

In order to evaluate the effects of lithotripsy (ESWL) on adrenocortic al hormone levels, we prospectively compared blood ACTH, cortisol, ald osterone and DHEA-S levels of patients treated by lithotripsy and with elective operative cholecystectomy for biliary stone disease, After s urgery, blood cortisol and ACTH levels were increased significantly at 16 hours (p<0.05) and returned to normal at 40 hours while in the ESW L group the aforementioned enzyme levels were elevated significantly a t 16 and 40 hours after ESWL (p<0.05), The comparison of two groups at 16 hours showed no difference (p>0.05), DHEA-S levels were elevated s ignificantly at 16 hours after lithotripsy (p<0.05) but the elevations after surgery were not significant (p>0.05). Aldosterone levels were elevated significantly in both groups (p<0.05) but the comparison of t he two groups showed no difference (p>0.05). In conclusion, ESWL induc es trauma to the neuroendocrine system and the duration of the respons e is longer when compared with surgical trauma.