Mechanical gallstone lithotripsy in the common bile duct--in-vitro and in-vivo experience.

A prototype of a mechanical gallstone lithotripter is described. In vitro 29 gallstones were crushed without difficulty. After performing stone crushing in the common bile ducts of 3 corpses, the prepared ducts were not leaky and no damage to the tissue was observed. In 8 patients 10 common bile duct stones were crushed without complications. Mechanical gallstone lithotripsy has proved to be a safe procedure. With its aid the removal of small stones by endoscopic papillary dilatation has become possible. Large stones in patients with a high papillotomy risk can be crushed before extraction.