Long-term Results of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy and Endoscopic Therapy for Pancreatic Stones

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term results of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic therapy for pancreatic stones. A total of 117 patients with pancreatic stones underwent ESWL and endoscopic treatment in our institute. Seventy patients who were followed-up for over 3 years after treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Immediate pain relief was achieved in 97% and complete removal of stones was achieved in 56%. During the long-term follow-up evaluation, 49 of 70 patients continued to be asymptomatic. Pain recurred more frequently in patients with incomplete removal than in those with complete removal (P < .05). Twenty-one patients who became symptomatic during the follow-up period underwent additional therapy, and pain relief was attained without surgery in all of them. Both endocrine and exocrine function deteriorated after the long-term follow-up period (P < .05). ESWL and endoscopic treatment of pancreatic stones proved to be effective for long-term pain relief, especially in patients in whom stones were removed completely at initial therapy.