[Experience with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy based on 5 years' clinical use]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Research
• Medical Technology

Context:

• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) emerged from six years of experimental research.
• Clinical application began in 1980, rapidly gaining popularity among patients with kidney stones.
• Over 70 lithotriptors are now operational worldwide, with more than 30,000 successful treatments performed.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the clinical safety, reliability, and reproducibility of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
• To assess the efficacy of ESWL as a primary treatment for kidney stones.
• To determine the potential of ESWL, in conjunction with endourological procedures, to minimize the need for open surgery.

Summary:

• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has demonstrated consistent safety, reliability, and reproducibility across numerous clinical applications.
• Approximately 70% of nonselected kidney stone patients are suitable candidates for ESWL.
• When combined with endourological techniques, ESWL offers a treatment pathway for over 95% of patients, effectively replacing open surgical interventions.

Impact:

• ESWL has revolutionized kidney stone management, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
• The widespread adoption and proven success of ESWL have significantly improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
• This technology has reduced the morbidity associated with surgical stone removal, making treatment more accessible and effective.