Contribution of modern lithotripsy to the practice of urology

Modern lithotripsy, both the minimally invasive percutaneous method and the completely noninvasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) technique, have far-reaching effects on the practice of urology. The patient is spared a painful operation and convalescence, as well as surgical trauma to the kidney. The urologist needs to familiarize himself with the new techniques and, with the percutaneous method, must guard against radiation. The hospital is involved in considerable expense in purchasing and installing the ESWL equipment, and should redistribute its facilities to take full advantage of the rapid turnover it permits. The nation gains considerably by minimizing workdays lost due to surgical operations and convalescence, and by reducing the number of patients with kidney stones who ultimately require dialysis.