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Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: an outpatient procedure
1Department of Urology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
The Journal of Urology
|September 11, 1991
Summary
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can be safely and effectively performed on an outpatient basis. This approach has become increasingly common, with over 95% of procedures now planned as same-day surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common procedure for kidney stones.
- Historically, ESWL was often performed on inpatients, but outpatient settings are increasingly utilized.
- The Louisiana Lithotripter, Inc. has experience with both inpatient and outpatient ESWL since 1985.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and trends of outpatient ESWL.
- To assess the increasing adoption of same-day surgery for ESWL procedures.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of first-generation technology in outpatient settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of the first 1,779 ESWL cases treated at Louisiana Lithotripter, Inc. from December 1985 to December 1988.
- Analysis of patient setting (inpatient vs. outpatient) over time.
- Inclusion of data from an American Urological Association Training Center.
Main Results:
- The rate of outpatient ESWL increased from 22% in the initial 100 cases to over 90% in the last 100 cases.
- The cumulative outpatient rate reached 70%, with over 95% of current cases planned as same-day procedures.
- Over 2,500 patients were treated, and over 200 professionals were trained.
Conclusions:
- Safe and effective outpatient ESWL is achievable with existing technology.
- The trend towards outpatient ESWL is significant and sustainable.
- This supports the clinical application of newer ESWL technologies in an outpatient setting.