Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Endourology

Background:

• Upper urinary tract calculi (renal and ureteric stones) are common urological conditions.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a primary treatment modality for these stones.
• The role of pre-procedural double-J (DJ) stenting in ESWL outcomes requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ESWL in treating renal and ureteric stones.
• To assess the impact of pre-ESWL double-J (DJ) stent placement on treatment outcomes and complications.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 432 patients undergoing ESWL.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (no DJ stent) and Group II (pre-ESWL DJ stent).
• Stone clearance was assessed using X-ray or ultrasound, with statistical analysis performed using SPSS and Epi-Info.

Main Results:

• ESWL demonstrated high stone clearance rates (96.3% in Group I, 100% in Group II).
• Patients with pre-ESWL DJ stents (Group II) required significantly more ESWL sessions (p=0.03).
• Group II also experienced a significantly higher incidence of complications (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• ESWL is an effective treatment for upper urinary tract calculi.
• Pre-ESWL stenting is associated with an increased number of ESWL sessions.
• Pre-ESWL stenting leads to a higher rate of complications during ESWL treatment.