Basic analysis of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of gallstones

Influence of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on human gallstones placed in dog gallbladders was investigated. After irradiation of shock wave more than 600 times, maximal diameter of residual stones of 10 mm before irradiation was destroyed to 2 mm or less. Levels of serum transaminase (GOT.GPT) were elevated, in parallel with times of shock waves. These results suggested that 600 times of shock waves were enough to destroy one cholesterol stone, diameter of which was about 1 cm. Data of elevation of serum transaminase showed that more than 600 times of shock waves were possible to induce the damage of liver.     

Long-term evaluation of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for cholesterol gallstones

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a treatment that preserves the gallbladder. Problems after ESWL treatment include stone recurrence and the development of biliary symptoms. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-two patients with cholesterol-type gallstones, the best indication for ESWL treatment, and 42 control patients with cholesterol-type gallstones who received no treatment entered this study. We evaluated the factors associated with recurrence of gallstones after stone clearance and the development of biliary symptoms after ESWL treatment. RESULTS: The 3-, 5- and 7-year cumulative probabilities of gallstone recurrence were 20.6, 27.1 and 33.1%, respectively, with the recurrence probability significantly lower in patients with good gallbladder contractility. In patients with recurrence, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment was effective. In 69 patients with residual gallstones, the 3-, 5- and 7-year cumulative risks of biliary symptoms were 17.3, 24.9 and 30.5%, respectively. With residual gallstones, the risk of biliary symptoms developing was significantly lower in patients with a < or = 3 mm fragment size at the end of ESWL treatment and in those treated consistently with UDCA for 6 months or more after treatment with ESWL. The risk of biliary symptoms was significantly lower in ESWL-treated patients with residual stones who had a < or = 3 mm fragment size after treatment compared to those of control patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ursodeoxycholic acid was effective in clearing stones in patients with gallstone recurrence. In patients with residual stones, the fragmentation of stones to < or = 3 mm and UDCA administration effectively reduced the risk of subsequent biliary symptoms.     

Factors affecting gallstone recurrence after successful extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Ninety-six patients treated successively for symptomatic cholelithiasis with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and oral bile acid therapy consisting of ursodeoxycholic acid in daily dosages of 600 mg were prospectively followed for gallstone recurrence for a median of 13 months. Ultrasonography was performed to detect stone recurrence at 3, 6, and 12 months, and then yearly after the termination of therapy. Recurrent stones were found in 17 patients (18%). The cumulative probability of gallstone recurrence was 15.8% at 12 months, 26.1% at 24 months, and 30.7% at 36 months. The probability of stone recurrence over the entire period of observation was not dependent on stone number, whereas the median interval to detection of recurrence was significantly shorter in the patients with multiple stones (2 months) than in those with solitary stones (8 months) (p < 0.05). The rate of impaired gallbladder contractility was higher in patients with recurrence (8/15, 53.3%) when compared with those with no recurrence (15/72, 20.8%) (p < 0.01). Neither age, gender, or stone characteristics predicted stone recurrence. Only one patient with a recurrence reported biliary pain. Of the 15 patients with recurrent stones who opted for further nonsurgical treatment, complete stone disappearance was achieved in 10. Impaired gallbladder function may predict gallstone recurrence after ESWL.     

胰腺体外震波碎石术专家共识意见

胰腺体外震波碎石术(pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, P-ESWL)是治疗胰管结石的重要方法,其安全性和有效性已在临床实践中得到充分认可。但有关P-ESWL适应证、禁忌证、操作规范以及并发症防治等方面,国际与国内均尚未形成相关共识。为进一步规范我国P-ESWL的临床应用,由中国医师协会胰腺病学专业委员会及国家消化系统疾病临床医学研究中心(上海)牵头,在参考国内外P-ESWL相关研究基础上,结合国内临床应用经验,组织国内专家编写了本共识。该共识重点介绍了P-ESWL的设备、适应证、禁忌证、操作规范及并发症防治等,旨在提高相关专科医师对P-ESWL的认识,规范P-ESWL流程。     

Evaluation of hepatocyte function after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Objective: Extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a promising and effective therapy mode in the nonsurgical therapy of gallstones. This prospective study was conducted to investigate the effects of ESWL on hepatocellular function, using quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy, serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase (AML), and direct and indirect bilirubin levels.
Methods: The study consisted of 22 patients with ultrasonographically documented gallstones. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy was applied to all patients before ESWL and biochemical tests were performed. Scintigraphy and biochemical tests were repeated in 16 patients 24 h, in seven patients 72 h, and in six patients 1 wk after ESWL. The hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) was calculated using deconvolution analysis of scintigraphic data.
Results: All patients' pre-ESWL biochemical tests and HEF values were within the normal range. The 24- and 72-h post-ESWL aminotransferase, ALP, and AML levels and HEF values were significantly different from pre-ESWL values (   p < 0.05  ). After 1 wk this difference disappeared. Decreased HEF values were observed in 50% of patients 24 h, in 71.7% of patients 72 h, and in 16.6% of patients 1 wk after ESWL. A direct relationship was also observed between the number of shocks applied and the degree of impairment in HEF values.
Conclusion: Transient hepatocellular dysfunction, which usually occurs after ESWL, can be demonstrated and monitored using quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy.     

坦索罗辛在体外冲击波碎石后的临床应用

目的 观察体外冲击波碎石(ESWL)治疗输尿管中下段结石后,应用坦索罗辛辅助治疗的效果.方法 对2009-12～2010-07 510例输尿管中下段结石行ESWL后的患者,采用双盲对比法分两组进行对比治疗观察,其中实验组(226例)在对照组(284例)治疗的基础上加用坦索罗辛.观察时间为20 d.结果 实验组结石排净率为84.5%(191/226),对照组结石排净率为62.3%(177/284),实验组的排净率明显高于对照组(P<0.01).结论 坦索罗辛组与对照组比较,排净率明显提高,复碎率及碎后再次肾绞痛发生率明显降低,药物副作用少、症状轻.     

Common bile duct and pancreatic injury after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stone

Common bile duct and pancreatic injury are rare complications following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. We reported a case of peripancreatic abscess with inflammation change of common bile duct and pancreatic head following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for right renal stone. Its anatomical location and subsequent clinical course suggest it was related to trauma caused by the shock wave. It should be considered a relative contraindication to apply extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in cases of right renal stone associated with large gall stones.     

Lung contusion after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones: A case report

Background:Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is recommended as the first-line treatment for large pancreatic stones. While complications such as post-P-ESWL pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, steinstrasse, and perforation have been reported in the past 30 years, lung contusion has never been reported. The present case demonstrates lung contusion as a complication after P-ESWL.Methods:A 48-year-old man was admitted to our department due to painful chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic duct stones. Computed tomography revealed normal lungs. P-ESWL was performed. The shock wave head contacted with right upper quadrant and the path of shock wave was at a 45° angle to the ventral midline. After P-ESWL, multiple patchy high-density shadows in the lower lobe of right lung were found, which was normal before P-ESWL. The patient had no symptoms of lung injury.Results and Conclusion:Laboratory studies revealed elevated D-dimer from 0.33 to 0.74 ug/mL, which was consistent with abnormal clotting of lung contusion. Chest computed tomography showed slight pleural effusion. Considering the interval between 2 X-rays was only 3 hours, we inferred that lung contusion was related to P-ESWL. The patient displayed stable vital signs, therefore, no specific interventions were conducted. Three days after P-ESWL, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed and the lung shadows were partially absorbed. Considering the location of shock wave head, it was possible to cause lung contusion in lower lobe of right lung. More than 10,000 P-ESWL therapeutic sessions had been performed in our center since 2010, and it is the first case about lung contusion as a complication. It is also the first report to describe lung contusion after P-ESWL. Although the patient was asymptomatic, it should raise awareness of clinicians.     

Hepatic subcapsular hematoma after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatic stones

We present a patient with complication of huge hepatic subcapsular hematoma after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatic lithotripsy. The hematoma measured 78–110 mm. Angiography showed a subcapsular hematoma, rather than a hematoma in the liver. In the arterial phase, the distal end of the small vessel showed spotty opacification similar to microaneurysma, suggesting that it was an injury caused by separation of the liver and its capsule, caused by the shock waves. The portal vein and hepatic vein were normal. After 8 weeks of conservative therapy, the hematoma was gradually absorbed and the patient was discharged. Eight months after the accident, the hematoma had decreased to 40 mm in size. After 20 months, it was completely absorbed. The reported rate of renal subcapsular hematoma after ESWL for renal or ureter stones is 0.1%–0.7%. To date, however, only five cases of hepatic subcapsular hematoma after right renal stone disintegration have been reported. This is the first report of hepatic subcapsular hematoma after ESWL for pancreatic stones. Received: September 11, 1998 / Accepted: April 16, 1999     

Histological changes of the gallbladder and liver after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for gallbladder

The histological changes of the gallbladder and liver following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were investigated in a canine model. After performing ESWL on human cholesterol stones placed in the gallbladder of 8 dogs, the gallbladder and livers were removed for pathological study. The mucosa of the gallbladder showed erosion and ulceration in three of the eight dogs. Edema and bleeding were found in the stroma of the gallbladder beds. Hemorrhagic necrosis and vacuolar degeneration occured in liver parenchyma adjacent to the gallbladder bed, but the portal area was fairly well preserved. It can be said that ESWL caused damage to both the liver and the gallbladder, but its effects on the liver may be only slight because of the preservation of the portal area.     

Therapy of choledocholithiasis using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and adjuvant surgical endoscopy]

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of extra- and intrahepatic bile duct stones is indicated after failure of conventional operative endoscopic procedures including mechanical lithotripsy. An overview of the current literature (12 centers, 568 patients) indicates that this novel procedure has attracted international acceptance. It was applied in elderly patients (means = 65 years) with solitary (37.5%) or multiple (62.5%) concrements. Clearance of the bile ducts was achieved in 71.6% after 1.3 to 3.0 lithotripsy sessions (1900-4000 shocks) if additional endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed. Without sphincterotomy 61% of patients were treated successfully. The most frequent side effects were macrohematuria (6.9%), hemobilia (6.2%) cholangitis (4.5%) and pancreatitis (1.3%). A lethality of 0-3.6% (means = 0.6%) was reported. The current results demonstrate that therapy of extra- and intrahepatic bile duct stones with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is effective, safe and provides high therapeutic comfort.     

Stenting and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Early observational studies of endoscopic treatment and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) reported considerable or complete relief of pain in 50%-80% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. There is no consensus on the measurement of pain, making comparison of observational studies difficult, and little attention has been paid to the type and amount of analgesics used by patients before and after decompressive treatment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients with chronic pancreatitis and large-duct disease and receiving decompressing treatment between 1 November 1994 and 31 July 1999. Primary parameters were type and amount of analgesics used. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with chronic pancreatitis and large-duct disease received stenting of the pancreatic duct (28 patients), ESWL (6 patients) or both (15 patients). After a median follow-up of 21 months, 35% of all patients were pain-free and a further 6% were not using analgesics. Seven patients no longer needed opioids during follow-up, but five other patients needed addition of opioids to treatment. The median opioid dose among opioid-dependent patients rose slightly (9%). The median increase of weight after treatment was 1 kg per year. CONCLUSION: After decompressive treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis and large-duct disease, we observed a small increase in weight and a small reduction in the number of opioid users. The changes may not be different from the natural course of the disease.     

Detection of tissue injury after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of gallstones

We evaluated seven patients undergoing gallstone lithotripsy for evidence of hepatic or renal trauma after each of 10 lithotripsy treatments. Postlithotripsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography showed no evidence of hepatic or renal injury as compared with baseline studies. Four treatments resulted in sonographic evidence of gaseous hepatic microbubbles (analogous to "the bends") due to cavitation effects of the shockwaves. Three of these four treatments produced serum glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase and -pyruvic transaminase elevation. One patient had microscopic hematuria. Minimal tissue damage results from gallstone lithotripsy. MRI and ultrasound, performed after lithotripsy, appear to be less sensitive than transaminasemia in detecting this low-grade injury.     

Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for chronic pancreatitis

Introduction: There is still uncertainty regarding the efficacy and optimal modalities of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The aims of the present study were to assess the safety and the efficacy of ESWL, either alone or followed by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (adjuvant ERCP) and to determine predictive factors of efficacy, in a real-life setting.

Patients and methods: This study included all consecutive patients who underwent an ESWL in a single University Hospital between 2001 and 2012. The indication for ESWL was obstructive stone(s) of the main pancreatic duct resulting in either painful chronic pancreatitis or recurrent acute pancreatitis. Success was defined by resolution of pain, no analgesic treatment, no acute pancreatitis and no surgical treatment for chronic pancreatitis 6 months after the ESWL.

Results: One hundred and forty-six patients were studied; 6/146 (4%) had a complication of ESWL. Among the 132 patients in whom follow-up was completed, 91 (69%) had an adjuvant ERCP. After 6 months of follow-up, 100/132 (76%) patients achieved success. In multivariate analysis, the single significant predictive factor of the success of the ESWL treatment was chronic pain (p?=?0.03). Patients who had chronic pain and needed opioid treatment had less chance of success than patients without chronic pain (OR 95%CI 0.31 [0.07–1.14]). We found no difference in the success rates between patients who underwent adjuvant ERCP and those who had ESWL only (p?=?0.93).

Conclusion: This study shows that the ESWL is a safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic pancreatitis and obstructive stones within the main pancreatic duct. Systematic association with therapeutic ERCP appears to provide no additional benefit and is therefore not recommended.