Splenic Rupture following ESWL for a Pancreatic Duct Calculus

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an established and extensively used treatment alternative for urinary calculi. It is also an established method of dealing with pancreatic duct calculi complementing endoscopic techniques in selected cases. Three reports of splenic injury following and probably caused by ESWL for urinary calculi have previously been published. We report a case of splenic rupture presenting with life-threatening hemorrhage 6 days after a single ESWL therapy session for pancreatic duct calculi.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endotherapy for pancreatic calculi—a large single center experience

“…A decrease in the use of analgesics and hospitalization has been reported earlier [18]. Though a wide range of complications have been reported with ESWL [25][26][27], these were minimal in this series and there was no mortality. The use of epidural anesthesia and sharp focusing achieved with the 3rd generation lithotripter decreases collateral tissue damage and reduces the rate of complications.…”

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for difficult common bile duct stones: a comparison between 2 different lithotripters in a large cohort of patients

“…10,27,28 In our series, we showed that the implementation of technical improvements (ie, location system and focusing) achieved with the latest generation of lithotripters further reduced the incidence of adverse events, particularly the incidence of serious adverse events.…”

Life-threatening Biliary Complications after Percutaneous Nephro-Lithotomy: a Case Report

“…In our patient, the presence of unrecognized vascular anomalies might be promote ischemic necrosis of the biliary tree. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude a direct effect of ultrasound waves due to adhesion between the kidney and surrounding tissues (13). Indeed, signs of inflammatory and traumatic processes of the biliary tract were present during nephrectomy.…”