Washington University experience with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of pancreatic duct calculi.

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain the effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatic calculi.

METHODS

Fourteen ESWL treatments were performed in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Fragmentation was perceptible after 13 of 14 treatments. Subsequent endoscopic manipulation resulted in complete extraction, partial extraction, and failed extraction of the fragments after 7, 4, and 2 of the ESWL treatments, respectively. No complications occurred and no patient had pancreatitis following ESWL. At a median follow-up of 19 to 22 months, 4 patients have had complete relief of symptoms, 4 have had a decrease in both severity and frequency of pain, and 4 have had no improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWL is a safe and useful noninvasive adjunct in the treatment of patients with pancreatic duct calculi.