The Dornier-Lithotripter U30. First clinical experience.

Objective: It can be claimed that ESWL is an optimal alternative for ablation of calculi by external shock waves. The new developments in ESWL have focussed more on the economic aspects of treatment rather than enhancing its efficacy or reducing the side effects. Since August 1993, the prototype of the Dornier Lithotripter U-30 was used at the Department of Urology of the Katharinen hospital in Stuttgart.

Methods/results: In 16 months, 1092 stones were treated requiring 1533 sessions. Complete disintegration was achieved in 84%; after 3 months' follow-up, 85.5% of the patients were stone free.

Conclusion: The Dornier Lithotripter U-30 provides easy handling and a short learning curve and a sufficient disintegration of the stones. The device is suitable for safe and effective treatment of all urinary calculi, with special respect to in situ treatment of ureteral stones.