[Treatment of childhood lithiasis using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]

We evaluated the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis, analyzing results and complications in our series.

20 patients (16 males and 4 females) with ages from 2 to 17 years were evaluated. Twelve patients presented left side lithiasis (60%). The size of the stone was measured in cm2 areas. 6 cases (30%) presented with lower calyx stones and 5 cases (25.9%) with stones in the pelvic ureter. 2 patients required JJ catheter insertion. Mean number of shock waves per session was 2,650 (range: 1,000-3,800). The Dornier Lithotripter S and Dornier MFL-5000 lithotripsy machines were used in the range of 10-120 Kv and 14-23 Kv respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed at one week and three months from treatment, including abdomen x-ray to obtain fragmentation and elimination percentages. In our series total fragmentation was achieved in 100% of the cases, without any patient with partial fragmentation (fragments > 5 mm). Elimination percentages were satisfactory, with a 65% total elimination and 30% partial elimination (residual fragments < 5 mm) within one week. One patient had no elimination at all.

After the results obtained in our series, we consider external shock wave lithotripsy the first treatment option in cases of pediatric urolithiasis.