[Value of ultrasound guided piezoelectric shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of pancreatic stones].

Aim: Most patients with pancreatic duct stones have been treated with lithotripters that use x-ray for stone targeting. We wanted to evaluate ultrasound guided lithotripsy in clinical use.

Methods: In a prospective clinical study 80 patients (62 men) with symptomatic obstructive chronic pancreatitis were treated with a piezoelectric lithotripter under ultrasound guidance (two in-line 4-MHz-Scanners).

Results: Stone targeting by ultrasound guidance was possible in 76 patients. Fragmentation succeeded in 53 patients (70%). Complete or partial stone clearance was achieved in 43 patients, a success rate of 54%.

Conclusion: Ultrasound guided shock wave lithotripsy of pancreatic duct stones plays an important role in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.