Piezoelectric Lithotripsy of Gallbladder Stones

Non-surgical procedures for the treatment of gallbladder stones must be measured against the effectiveness of cholecystectomy, with its low morbidity and mortality rates. For non-invasive alternative procedures to cholecystectomy, however, apart from adequate effectiveness, freedom from anaesthesia and analgesia is a requirement that needs to be met. This latter feature applies in particular when partial successes on initial treatment, or with recurrent stones, make renewed lithotripsy necessary.