Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy of Kidney Stones does not Induce Transient Bacteremia. A Prospective Study

Abstract

During 58 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsies 161 blood cultures were drawn to evaluate the incidence of bacteremia during the procedure. Only 3 blood cultures drawn during the procedure yielded bacteria, in all cases probably skin flora contaminants. Post-lithotripsy fever was noted in 29% of the patients, and could not be associated with transient bacteremia and was not influenced by antimicrobial prophylaxis. Patients with a positive urine culture after extracoporeal shock wave lithotripsy may have an increased risk of septicemia.