Methodology, results and complications in 2000 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedures

Since the installation of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor (ESWL) unit 12 months ago, 2000 lithotripsy procedures have been performed. Overall, 68.4% of patients were stone-free by the end of the first month. Residual lithiasis (fragments less than 0.5 cm) was seen in 19.7% of patients and significant lithiasis (fragments greater than 0.5 cm) was observed in 10.1%. Complications were obstruction, infection, headache due to the epidural anaesthesia, anuria, renal failure, perirenal haematoma and cardiac arrest. A number of patients required additional operative treatment; this was always endoscopic and no open procedures were performed. Hospitalisation averaged 1 day.