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[Staghorn renal lithiasis treated with shock waves. Bacteriologic aspects]
R A Durlach1, J E Toblli, C Gigler
1Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Medicina
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Struvite kidney stones, often linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), can persist after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This study found a high rate of UTIs post-ESWL, suggesting stones harbor bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Context:
- Struvite renal stones form due to urease-producing bacteria, leading to alkaline urine and stone crystallization.
- These infected stones act as a persistent source of infection, causing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common treatment for kidney stones, but its impact on infection requires investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the bacteriologic status of patients before and after ESWL for struvite renal stones.
- To assess the risk of bacteremia and persistent bacteriuria following ESWL treatment.
Summary:
- This study analyzed urine and blood cultures from 80 patients undergoing ESWL for renal stones.
- Pre-ESWL UTIs were present in 52.5% of patients, increasing to 60% post-ESWL.
- Bacteriuria post-ESWL was observed in 6 patients, likely due to bacteria within the calculi, with a low risk of bacteremia.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the significant prevalence of UTIs associated with struvite stones, even after ESWL.
- ESWL may not fully eradicate bacteria within stones, potentially leading to persistent or recurrent infections.
- Further research into managing infected stones and optimizing treatment strategies is warranted.