Intracorporeal Lithotripsy for Ureteral Calculi Using Swiss Lithoclast : SKIMS Experience

ABSTRACT

At present the techniques available for performing intracorporeal lithotripsy include electrohydraulic, ultrasonic, laser, and ballistic lithotripsy. We present our experience with a unique technology for performing intracorporeal lithotripsy, namely the Swiss lithoclast, which is a form of ballistic lithotripsy. This simple and inexpensive device uses compressed air to activate a solid probe in a manner similar to that of a jackhammer. We report the use of this lithoclast in 92 patients involving a total of 95 ureteral calculi. The lithoclast successfully fragmented 81 of the 95 calculi, a success rate of 85.26%. There were no major complications directly related to the use of this device. The Swiss lithoclast seems to be a safe, effective and an inexpensive means of performing intracorporeal lithotripsy for ureteral calculi.