The effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on urological prostheses and endoprostheses

The combination of ESWL and Endourology (EU) enables a wider range of stones to be treated without open surgery than either modality alone. EU frequently involves the maintenance of a plastic prosthesis in or near the area of maximal shock wave concentration during ESWL. Prostheses subjected to a standard test treatment by ESWL and others removed from patients after ESWL were examined visually, microscopically and biochemically by electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) to investigate the effects of ESWL on the prosthesis itself. Foley catheter balloons leaked. Previously smooth surfaces were disrupted and possibly toxic additives may be released. Care should be taken in selecting indwelling EU prostheses if ESWL treatment is likely to follow.