Ten years experience with piezoelectric extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of gallbladder stones.

Background: A critical review of the experience with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) of gallbladder stones is needed to clarify whether this method should continue to be applied to patients.

Methods: Patients with symptomatic gallbladder stones were treated by piezoelectric ESWL according to a prospective protocol between 1988 and 1997. ESWL treatment was limited to a maximum of three (solitary stones <20 mm diameter) to five sessions (larger solitary or multiple stones) and 3000 pulses per session.

Low-molecular-weight heparin does not prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Background: Studies suggest that heparin has anti-inflammatory effects that could prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis. The aim of this investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was to determine whether low-molecular-weight heparin can prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Methods: Patients at increased risk for acute post-ERCP pancreatitis based on assessment of known risk factors were randomized to receive low-molecular-weight heparin (Certoparin 3000 IU subcutaneously) or placebo (saline solution 0.