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Shockwave Lithotripsy for Urolithiasis: Is It Still Alive?
Seyed Sajjad Tabei1, Alan Yaghoubian2, Kymora B Scotland2
1Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
The Urologic Clinics of North America
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a noninvasive kidney stone treatment that reduced open surgeries. Its use is declining among US urologists, prompting a review of its effectiveness and future.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a historically significant noninvasive treatment for kidney and ureteral stones.
- SWL predates modern ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, drastically reducing the need for open stone surgery since the 1980s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical success and current status of SWL.
- To analyze the declining trends in SWL utilization among US urologists.
- To provide a perspective on the future viability of SWL in urological practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of SWL efficacy and historical adoption.
- Analysis of recent trends in urological intervention choices.
- Expert perspective on the current and future role of SWL.
Main Results:
- SWL has been a reliable and effective noninvasive modality for urolithiasis.
- Recent trends indicate a decrease in SWL usage by US urologists.
- SWL is no longer the primary intervention for kidney and ureteral stones.
Conclusions:
- Despite its historical success, SWL faces declining utilization.
- Further evaluation is needed to determine SWL's future role in urolithiasis management.
- The evolving landscape of stone treatment necessitates a re-assessment of SWL's viability.
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