BACKGROUND: In addition to currently available modalities of intracorporeal lithotripsy (ultrasonic, electrohydraulic, and laser), a new ballistic lithotriptor known as the Swiss Lithoclast has recently gained attention. This study reports our experience with the Swiss Lithoclast in the endoscopic management of urinary calculi. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with urinary calculi were treated with the Swiss Lithoclast; one patient with a renal calculus, 28 with ureteral calculi, and 22 with lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra and Kock pouch) calculi. RESULTS: The Lithoclast successfully fragmented 94% of the calculi, independent of stone composition. Complete failure of fragmentation was not encountered. In six of the 10 upper ureteral calculi, stone fragments were pushed up into the calyces. Adjunctive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for residual fragments was performed in six cases. The stone-free rate at one and three months was 84% and 88%, respectively. There were no intraoperative or long-term complications directly related to the use of this device. CONCLUSION: The Swiss Lithoclast is a safe and effective means of intracorporeal lithotripsy. Although suitable for mid and lower ureteral stones, the device has a risk of stone push-up in patients with upper ureteral stones.
BACKGROUND: In addition to currently available modalities of intracorporeal lithotripsy (ultrasonic, electrohydraulic, and laser), a new ballistic lithotriptor known as the Swiss Lithoclast has recently gained attention. This study reports our experience with the Swiss Lithoclast in the endoscopic management of urinary calculi. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with urinary calculi were treated with the Swiss Lithoclast; one patient with a renal calculus, 28 with ureteral calculi, and 22 with lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra and Kock pouch) calculi. RESULTS: The Lithoclast successfully fragmented 94% of the calculi, independent of stone composition. Complete failure of fragmentation was not encountered. In six of the 10 upper ureteral calculi, stone fragments were pushed up into the calyces. Adjunctive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for residual fragments was performed in six cases. The stone-free rate at one and three months was 84% and 88%, respectively. There were no intraoperative or long-term complications directly related to the use of this device. CONCLUSION: The Swiss Lithoclast is a safe and effective means of intracorporeal lithotripsy. Although suitable for mid and lower ureteral stones, the device has a risk of stone push-up in patients with upper ureteral stones.