A Comparison of Treatment Modalities for Renal Calculi Between 100 and 300 mm ² : Are Shockwave Lithotripsy, Ureteroscopy, and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Equivalent?

Abstract

For intermediate-sized upper-tract stones, when allowing for up to two SWL treatments, there was no significant difference between treatment modalities. Thus, SWL is a reasonably successful treatment alternative for patients who are not fit for a general anesthetic or who prefer SWL over competing treatments, provided they accept a potentially higher number of treatments.