Factors Affecting the Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy in Urinary Stone Treatment

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the factors affecting the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in urinary stone treatment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 235 adult patients treated with ESWL, for radiopaque renal or ureteric stones between January 2015 and December 2016. Patient's age, sex, stone size, laterality, location, density, skin-to-stone distance (SSD), and presence of double J stent were studied as potential predictors. At the end of three months, the patients were divided into success and failure groups and the significance was determined. RESULTS: 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that ESWL can treat renal and ureteric stones successfully with an inverse association between outcome and predictors such as stone size and density, SSD, and stent presence. These factors can help us in improving patient selection and ensure better results at lower cost.