Use of Swiss Lithoclast for Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy*

Abstract

Despite the advent of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy still plays a prominent role in the management of large and staghorn renal calculi. Modalities available for intracorporeal lithotripsy include ultrasound, electrohydraulic, and laser. I report my experience with the Swiss Lithoclast in performing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in 45 patients. The advantages of this device in percutaneous stone removal include its rapidity, safety, ease of use, and usefulness in clearing the initial calix during staghorn stone removal.