Gallstone recurrence after successful shock wave therapy: The magnitude ofthe problem and the predictive factors

Objective: Reports concerning long term recurrence of gallstones after succ essful extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) show a high probability of stone recurrence. There is still discussion on the factors influencing stone recurrence. In this study we wanted to evaluate the long term recurre nce of gallstones after stone clearance with ESWL and oral bile acids, and to assess possible risk and preventive factors of stone recurrence. Methods : A total of 322 consecutive patients with stone clearance between December 1988 and December 1995 were included. All patients were contacted for ultr asonography and were interviewed for additional information on daily intake of aspirin, NSAIDs, cholesterol lowering medication, estrogen therapy, and biliary pain during follow-up. Results: A total of 187 patients were still stone-free after a mean follow-up of 35 months (range: 3-89 months); 135 p atients had recurrence. There was a significant association between stone r ecurrence and estrogen intake (p = 0.04), number of lithotripsy sessions (p = 0.0007), time until stone disappearance (p = 0.0003), and biliary pain ( p < 0.0001). There was no difference in recurrence rate between solitary an d multiple stones. Conclusions: Long-term recurrence of gallstones after li thotripsy is high: less than or equal to 69% after 6 yr. We found a signifi cant association of stone recurrence with estrogen intake, number of lithot ripsy sessions, and time until stone disappearance. Intake of aspirin or NS AIDs was not associated with decreased stone recurrence. Of the patients wi th recurrent stones, 57% had biliary pain. (Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:474- 479. (C) 1999 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology).