[The prediction of the results of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy]

The disease history, objective, x-ray and aggregatometry evidence has been analyzed for 188 nephroureterolithiasis patients to make the prognosis of extracorporeal impulse lithotripsy (EIL). If the concrements presented at x-ray picture as structurally homogeneous, medium-contrast, with even margins, fragmentation occurred after 3-4 sessions in 81% of the cases. Low or high contrast calculi with heterogeneous margins disintegrated after 1-2 EIL sessions. Flat calculi were easier to crush than round ones. A decline or absence of changes on the aggregatometry curves prompted the decision on efficacy of further EIL. The calculi which existed for 6 months maximum were the easiest to crush. The outcome of the previous EIL is also essential for prognosis. Inflammation and obesity worsen EIL results. Variant of EIL regimen and the number of impulses are also prognostically significant.