Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic duct stones in patients with chronic pancreatitis: Are we underutilizing a new technology?

Can J Surg. 2023 Jul 27;66(4):E396-E398. doi: 10.1503/cjs.017121. Print 2023 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

The progressive inflammatory nature of chronic pancreatitis and its sparse therapeutic toolbox remain obstacles in offering patients durable solutions for their symptoms. Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct by either strictures or stones represents a scenario worthy of therapeutic focus, as nearly all patients with pancreatitis eventually have intraductal stones. A more recent option for removal of main duct stones is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In an effort to explore the role of ESWL in a Canadian setting, we evaluated our initial experience over an 8-year period (2011-2019).

MeSH terms

  • Calculi* / diagnosis
  • Calculi* / therapy
  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Lithotripsy*
  • Pancreatic Diseases* / therapy
  • Pancreatic Ducts
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic* / complications
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic* / therapy
  • Technology
  • Treatment Outcome