Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for urolithiasis; a single center study

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL) revolutionized the treatment of urinary stones since its invention in early 1980s.At many institutions, ESWL is the procedure of choice for proximal ureteric stones and renal stones. This paper analyzes and provides a general approach to the ESWL patients, discuss the outcomes and problems area, as well as to develop awareness among the patients necessitating stone management.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Total of 91 cases were included in this study. Patients from different clinics and OPD were selected for ESWL therapy. Study period were from Jan 2011 to June 2012. All the patients had undergone excretory urogram before selecting for the SWL in order to rule out distal obstruction and to assess the size of the stone and its location.

Results: More than 90 patients with renal and upper ureteric stones were subjected for ESWL over one and half year’s period (Jan 2011- Jun 2012) in an ESWL center in Kathmandu.

Conclusion: ESWL is an effective and patient friendly means to treat upper urinary and renal stones. Stone size, and location greatly affect the stone free rate, morbidity and secondary procedures following ESWL.