Distribution of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in Germany

Purpose: In order to obtain an up-to-date overview of the use of extracorpo real shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in Germany, the German Society of Shockwa ve Lithotripsy conducted a second nationwide questionnaire. Material and Methods: A total of 270 urological departments with mobile or fixed ESWL units were contacted by written questionnaire. Results: Of these, 205 answer sheets were analyzed. From 1995 - 1999, 470 t reatments were performed annually in departments with a stationary ESWL uni t, while 140 were reported by those with a mobile unit. The total number of ESWL units in Germany has increased to over 200. More than 60,000 procedur es are performed nationwide each year. Adjunctive measures such as transure thral or percutaneous operations are infrequently undertaken on the lithotr ipter table.