[Problems with indications for extracorporeal lithotripsy in urolithiasis]

Extracorporeal lithotripsy is a modern noninvasive method for the treatment of urolithiasis. The morphological and functional state of the urinary pathways, the localization of concrement and their size and number call in 35% of the patients for additive and auxiliary operations. Such comprehensive treatment can be provided by departments where all methods for the treatment of lithiasis are readily available. Repeated lithotripsy and combined therapeutic methods of more complicated conditions protract hospitalization and reduce the number of patients. The authors tested in more than 2500 lithotripsies the possibility to apply this treatment in the great majority of lithiases. However, because of the limited capacity they had to reduce the spectrum of indications to a minimum. Retardation of treatment by a protracted waiting period could damage the patient and it is then better to indicate another therapeutic approach; or to provide adequate treatment. We hope that patients who will need treatment after a year's time, will have the opportunity to be treated sooner by lithotriptors which should be installed before long in other departments.