Effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on liver function

ABSTRACT

23 Egyptian patients were subjected to analysis of various liver functional parameters before, one day and one month after treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL]. Liver function was evaluated by measuring aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and prothrombin concentration. The liver enzymes were not influenced by ESWL as based on unchanged serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP. Post treatment prothrombin concentration was not significantly different from those before treatment or controls except one day after ESWL. Since prothrombin concentration is a sensitive test for liver dysfunction, it was affected by ESWL and the reduction in its value after the first day indicates mild hepatic injury which was recoverable