[ESWL with the Lithostar--experience with 3,000 treatments].

Abstract

The experiences with 3,000 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsies of kidney and ureteral calculi using the Lithostar are reported. Indications, contraindications and therapeutic approach are reviewed and the importance of out-patient follow-up is stressed. The success rate of 75% (including further spontaneous passage of residual desintegrated calculi) is good in the view of an unselected and unfavourable patient population. In the other patients a second ESWL treatment may be necessary. In the initial period in 6% of the patients percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy or open operation have been performed whereas in the last 100 patients it was not necessary.