Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy with combined ultrasound and roentgenologic calculus localization. Initial clinical experiences with the Lithostar plus

Since the introduction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for non-invasive treatment of renal and ureteral stones, lithotripter units have relied on either fluoroscopic or ultrasound stone localization. While ultrasound stone localization reduces X-ray exposure and facilitates treatment of radiolucent renal stones, fluoroscopic stone localization is superior in the detection of ureteral stones. Since April 1989 we have been using the Lithostar plus, a new lithotriptor system, which provides both fluoroscopic and ultrasound stone localization. After treatment of 108 patients, the initial data suggest that this system combines the advantages of both localization principles, while being as efficient as other second-generation lithotriptor units in bringing about the disintegration of renal and ureteral stones.