ESWL™ in patients suffering from sialolithiasis

In a prospective study, results of the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL™) of salivary stones were evaluated. The study was performed with the currently available technical aid of electromagnetic systems to produce indication criteria for this particular procedure. With accurate sonographical localization a therapeutical outcome with complete emission of the concrement or an adequate disintegration of these stones was achieved in 100% of the parotid gland stones and in 29% of the sub-mandibular gland stones. Considering the risks of parotid surgery we see an absolute indication for lithotripsy in stones localized distally from the masseter banding of the parotid duct. Due to the low rate of success and the comparatively low risk connected with surgical therapy, the indication regarding concrement formations must be more critically viewed in the outlet path system of the submandibular gland. At present the lack of clinical symptoms observed following lithotripsy does not give any bearing on long-term prognosis.