The current therapy of urinary calculi in Thailand

The paper analyses the impact of modern therapy of urinary calculi in Thailand since the introduction of ESWL and endourology (PCNL and URS) in 1988. Up to then, conservative and open surgical measures had been the standard procedures. The study covers 12 medical centres in the north, northeast, south and central parts of the country between 1988 and 1997. Approximately 40 ESWL machines have been in use. ESWL was used in 66.1 per cent and 20.8 per cent of patients with renal and ureteric calculi respectively. Only 1.1 per cent of the patients had PCNL. URS was used in 20.8 per cent of patients with ureteric calculi. Open operations were required in 32.6 per cent and 53.6 per cent of patients with renal and ureteric calculi respectively. Nephrectomy was required in 4.8 per cent--16.0 per cent of patients with renal calculi. Certain considerations have been put forward to appraise the situation concerning urinary stone therapy in Thailand.