Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones in children

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in children with ureteric stones.

Between 1997 and 2008, 115 children with ureteral stones were treated by ESWL in our department. There were 67 boys and 48 girls with a mean age of 7.2 + or - 4.3 years. There were 53 (46.1%) patients with proximal ureteric stones, 16 (13.9%) with mid-ureteral stones and 46 (40.0%) with distal ureteral stones. The stone size ranged from 4 to 21 mm with a mean of 7.38 mm. Children with proximal stones were treated in the supine position, while children with mid and distal ureteric stones were treated in the prone or supine position.

Stone-free rate at 3 months was 94.8%, the re-treatment rate 15.7%, and overall efficacy quotient (EQ) was 83%. SWL failed in six children (5.2%). There was no significant difference in stone-free rates at 3 months between different groups classified by location and stone size. There were no serious side effects.

Our results indicate that ESWL with highly satisfactory stone-free rates and negligible complications can be considered as a first-line treatment for ureteric stones in the pediatric age group.