CURRENT STATUS OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WA VE LITHOTRIPSY

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is standard therapy for u rolithiasis. With comparable technical principles, various lithotripte rs have been developed and are in routine use. Renal pelvic stones, ca lyceal stones, ureteral stones, and other special forms can be treated with varying results. Currently, the so-called clinically insignifica nt residual fragments and the recurrence of calculi are under discussi on. Whereas the side effects of ESWL are well known, studies comparing ESWL with other endourological procedures are still lacking.