ABSTRACT
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with medical therapy for stone dissolution is a safe and effective treatment in selected patients with cholelithiasis. This conclusion was derived at from studies on non-surgical approaches, such as stone dissolution by oral administration of bile acids and that employing extra corporeal shock wave treatment on human gallstones implanted in the gallbladders of dogs. Gallstone disintegration has been reported by Sachman in 30% of patients within two months after lithotripsy, in 48% at the two to four months, in 63% at four to eight months, in 78% at eight to twelve months and in 91% at twelve to eighteen months. Various data differ as to the number, size and radiologic characteristics of gallstones To date, there has been no single report about ESWL treatment of gallstones in the Philippines. In this regard, we used this non-surgical procedure to treat 55 patients with cholelithiasis at the Stone Treatment Center from January 1989 to December 1989. To substantiate the early results of gallstone lithotripsy in the Philippines. We are hereby presenting our evaluation. In order to identify which patients would be suitable candidates for this modality of treatment, we analyzed and compared the results of patients with gallstones differing in radiologic characteristics, size and number. Results as to fragmentation rate, stone clearance, treatment failures as well as complications are hereby presented.