Experience with the Direx Tripter X-1 Lithotripter

Abstract

One hundred twenty-five patients underwent 138 treatments with a new portable extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter for upper urinary tract calculi between January 1987 and December 1987. Treatments were performed under general or regional anesthesia. A single treatment was performed in 91% of patients. Of the treatments, 23% were for staghorn stones. Hospital stay was usually short (1.0 day). Stone disintegration was achieved in 99% of cases. Adjunctive procedures were required in 8% of patients. Of the kidneys 70% were free of stones at the three-month follow-up, while 18% contained small (< 5 mm), asymptomatic fragments.

The Direx lithotripter was found to be effective and easy to operate; its compactness, portability, and potential for cost reduction are of great significance.