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30 patients with main pancreatic duct stones were treated by ESWL. In 18 of 22 patients who had not previously undergone endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPST) or endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), the stone fragments disappeared after ESWL. The fragments were removed endoscopically in the remaining 4 cases. Complete clearance was achieved in 8 cases with endoscopically unextractable stones by ESWL. After the ESWL procedure, absolute relief from pain was reported by in 19 of 22 patients with abdominal complaints. Serum amylase levels decreased significantly, and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) was reduced. In the medium-term follow-up period, pancreatic exocrine function and endocrine function had a possibility to be preserved. One case of pancreatic cancer and one case of an intraductal papillary tumor of the pancreas were found, indicating that careful observation is necessary even after complete removal of pancreatic stones. In cases of Santorini duct dominant, multiple stones, or stricture of the MPD, ESWL should be combined with EPST and endoscopic stenting for preventing recurrence of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic stones. In conclusion, ESWL is the first choice of treatment for pancreatolithiasis and useful procedure and the limited complications.

We have analyzed the results of the treatment given on 170 cases of cholecystolithiasis, using two different systems of ESWL: Spark Gap System (hereinafter SGS) and Piezoelectric System (hereinafter PES). 1) In the total cases, there were no significant differences in the fragmentation rate between the two systems. PES was, however, superior to SGS in terms of the complete stone free rate. On the other hand, SGS was superior to PES in terms of the average fragmentation rate. 2) We have classified cholecystolithiasis into 4 groups, combining CT and US. PES showed superiority in the ESWL Group 1 (seeming Pure Cholesterol Stone) and Group 2 (seemingly Mixed Stone) in terms of stone free rate. SGS showed superiority in ESWL Group 3 (seemingly Combination Stone) and Group 4 (seemingly Pigment Stone) in terms of fragmentation effect. 3) We have gained good results from both of the system according to Munich Criteria Modified. 4) Concerning the failures of fragmentation and insufficient stone free, further study shall be required to determine whether fragmentation should be repeated, the case should be handled as "beyond adaptability", or the two-system-combined therapy should be applied.

In the patients with liver cirrhosis, endotoxin levels were measured in portal venous system by the toxicolor method and the mechanism of endotoxemia in the peripheral vein was studied. On endotoxin levels in portal venous system, the superior mesenteric vein had the highest level. Endotoxemia was observed most frequently in the superior mesenteric vein (78%), and 50% in the truncal portal vein and 55% in the peripheral vein. The hepatic "endotoxin extraction ratio" which is considered to reflect the Kupffer cell function of clearing endotoxin and the severity of cirrhosis were not related each other. On the other hand, in view of the extrahepatic portal shunt, systemic endotoxemia appeared more frequently in the patients with the other collaterals than the esophageal varices. Therefore, it was concluded that systemic endotoxemia in liver cirrhosis was related with the type of extrahepatic portal collaterals.