Improved laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy in which pulsed laser radiation situated in the infrared region is concentrated by means of an optical wave guide at a concrement to be destroyed which is surrounded with an aqueous rinsing liquid. The concrement is destroyed mechanically by laser-induced breakdown of the rinsing liquid, giving rise to shockwave and cavitation. The improvement resides in the presence in the rinsing liquid of a metal compound selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of metals of the ferrous group of the periodic table, complex compounds of said metals of the ferrous group of the periodic table, water-soluble salts of magnesium and water-soluble salts of calcium, the metal compounds being present in a concentration not exceeding 50 mmol/l, relative to their metal content. The presence of the metal compounds lowers the energy required for said breakdown.
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