[The effect of remote-controlled shock-wave lithotripsy on kidney function]

Leucine arylamidase (LAA) excretion in circadian urine of 79 patients suffering from nephroureterolithiasis was measured before and after the session of remote impulse lithotripsy (RIL) to investigate the effect of the impulse on renal function. The stones were localized in the calyces, pelvis and upper third of the ureter. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 43 patients with noncomplicated nephroureterolithiasis (group 1) and 36 patients with complicated one including 12 subjects exposed to the second RIL (group 2). The enzyme excretion was significantly reduced in group 1 patients. Its activity recovered in group 1 within 6-7 days, in group 2 for 10-14 days. After the second RIL procedure LAA activity in the urine enhanced more rapidly, especially in group 2 patients. In calyceal, intrarenal pelvic and fused kidney location of the stone, LAA activity got more elevated than in the extrarenal pelvis or in the upper third of the ureter. It is demonstrated that RIL exhibits a short-term effect on the kidneys which depends on the presence of inflammation, the number of sessions, stones location and the number of impulses.