HISTORY

There was an era before the lap. Cholecystectomy in which we worked. At that time gallstone lithotripsy was led by Germans, French people and, still, despite the lap. cholecystectomy, the European countries. In selected European countries, still gallstone lithotripsy is an alternative to lap. cholecystectomy. And I understand we have various surgeons in the room. This modality has absolutely revolutionized, or created some kind of revolution for surgeons and changed, I think, the training part of the surgery and many parts of the surgical approach and, obviously, is a very acceptable modality. This system, piezoelectric, electrohydraulic, or otherwise, has been used for gallstones in Western countries since '85. Germany is the leading country in this regard. In France, Japan, and Belgium, extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non surgical modality just complementary to surgical option.