EFFECTS OF HIGH-ENERGY SHOCK-WAVES ON THE VIABLE HUMAN KIDNEY

Between September 1990 and July 1991, we treated 17 patients with rena l-cell carcinoma by radical nephrectomy and two patients with urotheli al carcinoma of the kidney pelvis by ureteronephrectomy. Immediately a fter nephrectomy, perfusion of the kidneys with cold HTK solution was performed and the organs were kept in hypothermia of 8-degrees-C. The tumor-free parenchyma of the kidneys was treated 4 h later with shock waves of different energy levels in an experimental shock-wave system (Siemens Company, Erlangen). Light microscopy and examinations by scan ning laser microscopy were performed after treatment. High-energy shoc k waves (HESW) produce significant changes in the tubulary and blood-v essel system of the viable human kidney, depending on the energy appli ed. Although our model is limited by hypothermia of the explanted kidn eys, the effects of shock waves on the organs can be studied. Our mode l is suitable for testing the effects of different lithotriptors on th e human kidney.