ABSTRACT
Objective:The application of a combined ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripter for cholelithiasis was investigated.Methods:A total of 59 cases of cholelithiasis diagnosed by ultrasonography and CT were included in the study.All the patients had surgical treatment from January 2013 to December 2015,in which 30 patients were treated with a combined ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripter protocol (EMS group),and 29 patients were treated with traditional choledochoscope protocol(control group).All the patients were followed up for 3 months postoperation.The outcomes of patients in EMS group and control group were compared.Results:The postoperative stone free rate after the first operation is higher in EMS group than in control group(P＜0.05).The operation time and total lengths of hospital stay were shorter in EMS group than in control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in intraoperative hematobilia rate,intraoperative bile duct injury rate,postoperative biliary tract infection rate,hepatic biochemical index and mortality between two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion:The combined ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripter is useful for treatment of cholelithiasis.