Complementary Ureterorenoscopy after extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in proximal ureteral stones: success and complications

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy application on the success and complications of ureteroscopic lithotripsy in proximal ureter stones. METHODS: The data of 87 patients who did not respond to shock wave lithotripsy and underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy were retrospectively analyzed and classified as group I, and 99 patients who received ureteroscopic lithotripsy as primary treatment were classified as group II. Demographic features, response to treatment, and preoperative and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of gender, operation times, stone sizes, and ureteroscope diameters. (p>0.05). Infective complications such as postoperative fever, pyelonephritis, and urosepsis were similar in both groups (p=0.142, p=0.291, and p=0.948). Stone migration was observed in 10 (11.5%) and 6 (6.1%) patients in groups I and II, respectively (p=0.291). Impacted stone was seen in 47 (54%) patients in group I and in 15 (15.2%) patients in group II (p<0.0001). Mucosal laceration occurred in 11 (12.6%) and 3 (3%) patients in groups I and II, respectively (p=0.028). Ureteral perforation was detected in 3 (3.4%) patients in group I and 1 (1%) patient in group II, whereas ureteral avulsion was not observed in either group (p=0.524). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the application of shock wave lithotripsy before ureteroscopic lithotripsy in proximal ureter stones did not affect the success. Although the results are similar in terms of postoperative infection, shock wave lithotripsy application has been found to increase the risk of stone impaction into the mucosa and ureteral laceration.

Management of Pancreatic Calculi: An Update

Pancreatolithiasis, or pancreatic calculi (PC), is a sequel of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and may occur in the main ducts, side branches or parenchyma. Calculi are the end result, irrespective of the etiology of CP. PC contains an inner nidus surrounded by successive layers of calcium carbonate. These calculi obstruct the pancreatic ducts and produce ductal hypertension, which leads to pain, the cardinal feature of CP. Both endoscopic therapy and surgery aim to clear these calculi and decrease ductal hypertension. In small PC, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by sphincterotomy and extraction is the treatment of choice. Large calculi require fragmentation by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) prior to their extraction or spontaneous expulsion. In properly selected cases, ESWL followed by ERCP is the standard of care for the management of large PC. Long-term outcomes following ESWL have demonstrated good pain relief in approximately 60% of patients. However, ESWL has limitations. Per oral pancreatoscopy and intraductal lithotripsy represent techniques in evolution, and in current practice their use is limited to centers with considerable expertise. Surgery should be offered to all patients with extensive PC, associated multiple ductal strictures or following failed endotherapy.

Management of Pancreatic Calculi: An Update

Pancreatolithiasis, or pancreatic calculi (PC), is a sequel of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and may occur in the main ducts, side branches or parenchyma. Calculi are the end result, irrespective of the etiology of CP. PC contains an inner nidus surrounded by successive layers of calcium carbonate. These calculi obstruct the pancreatic ducts and produce ductal hypertension, which leads to pain, the cardinal feature of CP. Both endoscopic therapy and surgery aim to clear these calculi and decrease ductal hypertension. In small PC, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by sphincterotomy and extraction is the treatment of choice. Large calculi require fragmentation by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) prior to their extraction or spontaneous expulsion. In properly selected cases, ESWL followed by ERCP is the standard of care for the management of large PC. Long-term outcomes following ESWL have demonstrated good pain relief in approximately 60% of patients. However, ESWL has limitations. Per oral pancreatoscopy and intraductal lithotripsy represent techniques in evolution, and in current practice their use is limited to centers with considerable expertise. Surgery should be offered to all patients with extensive PC, associated multiple ductal strictures or following failed endotherapy.

A study on the adverse effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal stones / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To study the reason and the preventive measures that adverse effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal stones during treatment.Methods From April 2015 to January 2016,165 patients who underwent ESWL treatment for renal stones were enrolled this retrospective study.All patients were in supine position.Direction of shockwave was by the path of preabdomen.The adverse effects during treatment were observed.The related factors were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis.Results There were 70 cases(42.4％) with pain,10 cases(6.1％) with cold sweat,8 cases (4.8％) with accelerated heart rate,5 cases (3.0％)with descent of heart rate,2 cases (1.2％) with nausea and vomiting.In the univariate Logistic regression analysis,four variables (BMI,history of ESWL treatment,stone location and energy) were found showing statistical significance.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the final significant related factors were BMI ＜ 24.0 kg/m2 (OR =4.155,CI 1.373-12.571),history of ESWL treatment (OR =0.163,CI 0.058-0.454),stone in pelvis(OR =123.051,CI 17.638-858.439),stone in middle calyceal (OR =169.171,CI 29.677-964.343),energy 86.3-94.7J (OR =0.094,CI 0.025-0.362).Conclusions Pain was the most common adverse effect during the treatment of ESWL.Stone location (pelvis and middle calyceal) was an independent risk factor,BMI ＜ 24.0 kg/m2 was one of the related risk factors.Both energy 86.3-94.7J and history of ESWL treatment were preventive factors.

Safety and Effectiveness of Successive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pancreatolithiasis under Intravenous Bolus Pethidine Administration Alone / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatolithiasis on successive days under intravenous bolus of pethidine alone. METHODS: Ninety patients with calcified pancreatic stones (> or =5 mm) presenting with abdominal pain were selected for ESWL. ESWL was performed with an electroconductive lithotripter under fluoroscopic target systems. Fragmented calculi after ESWL were removed by endotherapy. RESULTS: A mean of 4.2 ESWL sessions were performed for each patient, with a mean of 2,984 shocks at a mean power setting of 12.8 kV. Eighty-four (89.3%) patients underwent ESWL for three or more days in a row. Fragmentation of the stones were achieved in 83/90 (92.2%) patients. Complete clearance of the main pancreatic duct was achieved in 54/90 (60.0%) patients, and partial clearance was achieved in 27 (30.0%) patients. The mean dose of pethidine used during ESWL was 53.5+/-20.7 mg per session. As ESWL-related complications, four (4.3%) patients developed mild acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: In case of endoscopically difficult-to-treat pancreatic duct stones, combined therapy with ESWL is an effective method, and treatment with multiple sessions of ESWL on successive days under intravenous bolus of pethidine alone is safe and well tolerated.

A Case of a Huge Biliary Bezoar Treated with ESWL / 대한췌담도학회지

A bezoar is a mass formed by the accumulation of digested food. A biliary bezoar, namely a bezoar formed in the bile duct, is rare, which occurs mostly in patients who formerly underwent cholecystectomy. It appears that incompetent sphincter produces occasional reverse flow of foreign bodies including undigested food from the alimentary canal into the bile tract. Surgical treatment is used for huge biliary bezoar which is too huge to be removed by nonsurgical treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is mostly used to fragment renal or urinary calculi, but may be sparingly used against biliary calculi. This is to report the rare case of a patient with biliary bezoar who formerly underwent open cholecystectomy and choledocoduodenostomy. The patient's huge biliary bezoar was removed by ESWL and the successive execution of endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). ESWL is expected to be a comparatively safe and convenient solution to huge biliary bezoars.

Clinical evaluation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of renal stone after repeated extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of renal stone after repeated extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).Methods Forty-four patients who had a history of repeated ESWL (treatment group) and 50 patients with-out surgical intervention (control group) were submited to PCNL,and clinical data was documented in details and analyzed.Results The time to establish access in treatment group and control group was (11.8 ± 4.1) min and (10.9 ± 2.5) min,respectively,and there was no significant difference (t =1.308,P =0.194).The time to extract stone in both groups was (92.0 ± 13.5) min and (66.6 ± 17.6) min,respectively,and there was significant difference (t =7.776,P =0.000).The operative time in treatment group was (113.9 ± 12.0) min,which was longer than that in control group with (87.6 ± 13.6) min (t =8.354,P =0.000).The clearance in both groups was 81.8％ and 94.0％,and there was no significant difference (x2 =3.361,P =0.067).The was no death or other severe complication in both groups.Conclusions The operation time in treatment group was longer than that in control group,and there was no significant difference in clearance and complication rate.Thus it was safe and effctive to perform PCNL in these patients with a history of failed repeated ESWL.

Low-Intensity Shock Wave Therapy and Its Application to Erectile Dysfunction

Although phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are a revolution in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and have been marketed since 1998, they cannot restore pathological changes in the penis. Low-energy shock wave therapy (LESWT) has been developed for treating ED, and clinical studies have shown that LESWT has the potential to affect PDE5I non-responders with ED with few adverse effects. Animal studies have shown that LESWT significantly improves penile hemodynamics and restores pathological changes in the penis of diabetic ED animal models. Although the mechanisms remain to be investigated, recent studies have reported that LESWT could partially restore corpus cavernosum fibromuscular pathological changes, endothelial dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy. LESWT could be a novel modality for treating ED, and particularly PDE5I non-responders with organic ED, in the near future. However, further extensive evidence-based basic and clinical studies are needed. This review intends to summarize the scientific background underlying the effect of LESWT on ED.

Relationship Between Patient Position and Pain Severity During Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Renal Stones With the MODULITH SLX-F2 Lithotripter: A Matched Case-Control Study

PURPOSE: We evaluated the association between shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)-related pain and patient positioning during SWL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 162 patients who underwent their first SWL session for single renal stones from May 2010 to August 2011. One hundred thirteen patients underwent SWL in the supine position and 49 did so in the lateral position. To evaluate an unbiased estimation of the positional effect on pain severity during SWL, both groups (supine vs. lateral) were matched according to sex, age, body mass index, stone location, and stone size. Thirty-four patients from each group were selected for analysis. Pain was evaluated with an average visual analogue scale (VAS-avg) and maximum visual analogue scale (VAS-max). Analgesic usage was also compared between the groups. RESULTS: All patients (n=34) in the supine group had radio-opaque stones compared with only 47.1% of the patients in the lateral group (n=16). The VAS-avg and VAS-max of the lateral group were significantly lower than those of the supine group (1.2+/-1.0 and 3.1+/-1.7 for VAS-avg and 2.5+/-1.8 and 4.7+/-1.9 for VAS-max, respectively, p<0.05). However, analgesic usage between groups did not differ significantly (17.6% in the supine group vs. 5.9% in the lateral group, p=0.259). In a subgroup analysis confined to patients with radio-opaque stones, the supine group still suffered more pain. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with renal stones suffered more SWL-related pain in the supine position than in the lateral position. During SWL, positioning of patients should be considered a predictive factor for SWL-related pain.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Pediatric and Adolescent Urolithiasis

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) by age and current condition as a first-line treatment for pediatric and adolescent urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computerized records of 55 children were retrospectively reviewed from March 1991 to July 2007. The children were below 18 years of age and had undergone ESWL monotherapy for urolithiasis. There were 36 boys (65.5%) and 19 girls (34.5%), with a mean age of 8.5 years (range, 0.5-18 years). There were 24 patients aged 7 years or less and 31 patients aged more than 7 years. RESULTS: The mean size of the stones was 9.48 mm (range, 4-22 mm). The overall success rate of ESWL was 90.9% (50 children). The mean number of ESWL sessions was 2.02 (range, 1-10). The mean number of ESWL sessions for the patient group aged 7 years or less was 1.16 (range, 1-2) and that for the patient group aged more than 7 years was 2.97 (range, 1-10; p=0.037). There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean number of ESWL sessions between the younger and older patients who needed general anesthesia (1.16 vs. 2.2 sessions, respectively; 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: In the patient group aged 7 years or less, the number of ESWL sessions and the complication rate were comparable with those for endoscopic management. Thus, ESWL is an effective first-line treatment modality for patients aged less than 7 years.

A Case Report of Acute Kidney Injury after Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy / 대한내과학회지

We report a case of acute kidney injury following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. A 41-year-old man with diabetes mellitus had suffered from urinary difficulty after several treatments of ESWL, bilaterally. It was suspected that fragments of renal stones had caused an obstructive nephropathy with bilateral hydronephrosis. Fortunately, even without renal replacement therapy, renal function gradually returned.

A Case Report of Acute Kidney Injury after Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy / 대한내과학회지

We report a case of acute kidney injury following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. A 41-year-old man with diabetes mellitus had suffered from urinary difficulty after several treatments of ESWL, bilaterally. It was suspected that fragments of renal stones had caused an obstructive nephropathy with bilateral hydronephrosis. Fortunately, even without renal replacement therapy, renal function gradually returned.

Clinical reports of 20 625 cases of B ultrasound-guided ESWL for urinary stones / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of ESWL under B ultrasound guidance in treatment of urinary stones.Methods The clinical data of 20 625 patients who underwent B ultrasound-guided ESWL between August 1995 and July 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Of the stones,8659cases were in the kidney,11 712 cases were in the ureter,and 254 cases were in the bladder.And 1965stones were radioparent.Results The stone fragmentation rates of the kidney,ureter and bladder stones were 96.27％ ( 8336/8659),97.56％ ( 1 1 426/1 1 712) and 99.21％ ( 252/254),respectively.The total stone fragmentation rate was 97.04％ (20 014/20 625 ).The 3-month stone-free rates of the kidney,ureter and bladder stones were 86.63％ (7501/8659),95.32％ ( 11 164/11 712) and 97.24％ (247/254),respectively.The total 3-month stone-free rate was 91.69％ (18 912/20 625).The stone fragmentation rate of radioparent stones was 97.91％ ( 1924/1965 ),and the 3-month stone-free rate was 94.40％ ( 1855/1965).Conclusion B ultrasound-guided ESWL is safe and effective in the treatment of urinary stones.

Tratamento conservador de trauma renal grave após litotripsia extracorpórea por ondas de choque / Conservative treatment of severe renal trauma after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

Subcapsular and perinephric hematomas are relatively common after shock-wave lithotripsy, but high-grade kidney injuries are extremely rare. We present the first case of a high-grade kidney injury after shock-wave lithotripsy managed conservatively. A 57-year-old white female patient with left 1.5cm superior ureteral calculi was submitted to shock-wave lithotripsy.

The lithotripsy table height: a novel predictor of outcome in shockwave lithotripsy

BACKGROUND: Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is determined by physical factors that affect stone fragmentation and clearance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of the Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) in SWL outcome. Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) is a variable that represents skin to therapy head distance, and it is proportional to the energy that reaches the stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients undergoing SWL for radiopaque urinary stones. All procedures were performed using a Modulith SLX (Karl Storz, Germany) Lithotripter. Patient weight, height and age; stone location and size; number of shock waves delivered, and LTH were recorded. One month post-procedure a KUB was obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these variables on stone-free outcome. A ROC curve was plotted. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. After one month follow-up, overall success rate (Stone Free) was 83.9 percent (n = 47). LTH was the only independent predictor of outcome in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Stone size (p = 0.45) and BMI (p = 0.32) were not significant. In the ROC curve, LTH showed an Area under the Curve = 0.791. Patients with LTH < 218 (n = 8) had relative risk of residual stones = 7.5, odds Ratio: 6.6 (Stone free rate 37.5 percent vs. 91.5 percent). CONCLUSION: LTH appears to be an independent predictor of SWL outcome. High success rates can be expected if LTH > 218. Patients with lower LTH had a less effective therapy, therefore, worse stone fragmentation and clearance. These findings may help improve patient selection for SWL therapy.

Comparison between two shock wave regimens using frequencies of 60 and 90 impulses per minute for urinary stones

PURPOSE: Two different regimens of SWL delivery for treating urinary stones were compared. METHODS: Patients with urinary stones were randomly divided into two groups, one of which received 3000 shocks at a rate of 60 impulses per minute and the other of which received 4000 shocks at 90 impulses per minute. Success was defined as stone-free status or the detection of residual fragments of less than or equal to 3 mm three months after treatment. Partial fragmentation was considered to have occurred if a significant reduction in the stone burden was observed but residual fragments of 3mm or greater remained. RESULTS: A total of 143 procedures were performed with 3000 impulses at a rate of 60 impulses per minute, and 156 procedures were performed with 4000 impulses at 90 impulses per minute. The stone-free rate was 53.1 percent for patients treated with the first regimen and 54.8 percent for those treated with the second one (p = 0.603). The stone-free rate for stones smaller than 10 mm was 60 percent for patients treated with 60 impulses per minute and 58.6 percent for those treated with 90 impulses per minute. For stones bigger than 10 mm, stone-free rates were 34.2 percent and 45.7 percent, respectively (p = 0.483). Complications occurred in 2.3 percent of patients treated with 60 impulses per minute and 3.3 percent of patients treated with 90 impulses per minute. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the stone-free and complication rates were observed by reducing the total number of impulses from 4000 to 3000 and the frequency from 90 to 60 impulses per minute.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs vs. opioids for SWL using modern electromagnetic lithotripters

PURPOSE: Clinical studies produce conflicting results on pain relief for shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids in pain relief for SWL powered by an electromagnetic generator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed and all randomized controlled trials comparing NSAIDs and opioids in pain relief for SWL using modern electromagnetic lithotripters were included in the analysis. Data from 3 trials (244 patients) were pooled. The primary outcome measure was adequate analgesia, defined as "if no additional pain relief was used". The difference in the proportion of patients with adequate anesthesia was compared between the NSAIDs and opioids groups as an odds ratio and odds ratio were pooled across the 3 trials with a fixed effects model. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between using NSAIDs and opioids for pain relief during SWL using modern electromagnetic lithotripters (odds ratio 0.886, 95 percent CI 0.446-1,760, p = 0.730). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that in relieving pain during SWL using modern electromagnetic lithotripters NSAIDs are as effective as opioids.

Anestesia espinal en dosis bajas para litotripsia extracorpórea (LEC): comparación de dos dosis de levobupivacaína hipobárica / Spinal anesthesia for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: comparison between two doses of hypobaric levobupivacaine

Introducción: Se han descrito diversas técnicas anestésicas para la Litotripsia Extracorpórea (LEC), procedimiento frecuentemente realizado en forma ambulatoria. El presente estudio compara la calidad de la analgesia, complicaciones y satisfacción usuaria entre dos modalidades de anestesia espinal con Levobupivacaína hipobárica en bajas dosis. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo secuencial, con pacientes electivos sometidos a LEC unilateral bajo anestesia espinal, asignados en forma secuencial a uno de los siguientes grupos: levobupivacaína 4,5 mg + 20 ug de fentanyl, volumen total 2,5 ml con agua destilada, concentración 0,18 por ciento (Grupo 1), y levobupivacaína 2,5 mg + 20 ug de fentanyl, volumen total 2,5ml con agua destilada, concentración 0,1 por ciento (Grupo 2). Se evaluó el nivel sensitivo (tórula bañada en alcohol),bloqueo motor (escala de Bromage), alteraciones hemodinámicas (bradicardia o hipotensión), tiempo hasta la primera micción y necesidad de suplemento analgésico durante el procedimiento. Además, se evaluó el grado de confort y si repetirían la técnica anestésica. Resultados: 159 pacientes fueron sometidos a LEC entre junio de 2005 y agosto de 2007, aleatoriamente asignados: 82 al Grupo 1 y 77 al Grupo 2. El nivel sensitivo fue más alto en el Grupo 1 con un 67 por ciento de los pacientes en el nivel T4 respecto al grupo 2 con un3,9 por ciento (p < 0,001). Además, el Grupo 2 presentó un nivel sensitivo más bajo con un 88,3 por ceinto de los pacientes en el nivel T5, en comparación al Grupo 1 con 37,7 por ciento (p < 0.001). El Grupo 1 tuvo mayor incidencia de bloqueo motor, con una escala de Bromage = 1 en 20,7 por ciento de los pacientes, respecto a 3,9 por ciento en el grupo 2(p = 0,001). El Grupo 2 presenta un menor bloqueo motor con Bromage = 0 en el 96,1 por ciento de los pacientes, comparado al Grupo 1 con 74,4 por ciento (p = 0,001). Respecto a las complicaciones hemodinámicas, 11 de los pacientes del Grupo 1...

Several anesthesia techniques have been described for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).It is often performed as an ambulatory procedure. The aim of this study is to compare quality of analgesia, complications and patient’s satisfaction with two regional (spinal) anesthesia techniques with small doses of hypobaric Levobupivacaine. Methods: This is a sequential and prospective study in elective patients undergoing unilateral ESWL under spinal anesthesia. Patients were sequentially allocated to one of two groups: levobupivacaine 4,5 mg + 20 ug of fentanyl, total volume of 2,5 ml with distilled water,concentration 0,18 percent (Group 1), and levobupivacaine 2,5 mg + 20 ug of fentanyl, total volume of 2,5ml, concentration 0,1 percent (Group 2). We evaluated sensitive level (alcohol swab), motor block (Bromagescale), hemodynamic alterations (bradycardia and hypotension) and time until fi rst voiding and the need for further analgesic doses. Patient’s comfort and satisfaction with the technique for a new procedure was also recorded. Results: 159 patients underwent an ESWL between June 2005 and august 2007, and randomized to: Group 1, 82 and Group 2, 77. The sensitive level was higher in Group 1 with 67 percent of patients at T4 respect to Group 2, 3.9 percent (p < 0.001). Group 2 had a lower sensitive level with 88.3 percent of the patients at T5(< 0.001). Group 1 had a higher incidence of motor block: Bromage scale 1 in 20,7 percent of patients respect to3,9 percent in Group 2. Group 2 had lower motor block: Bromage scale 0 in 96,1 percent of patients compared to Group1, 74,4 percent (p = 0,001). With respect to the hemodynamic complications, 11 of the patients in Group 1 (13,4 percent)presented bradycardia, compared to 2 patients in Group 2 (2,5 percent) (p = 0,005). 6 patients in Group 1(7,3 percent)showed hypotension, 2 of those required ephedrine (10 mg). No patients in Group 2 presented hypotension (p = 0,014). There was no difference...

Evaluation of emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for obstructing ureteral stones

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for ureteral calculi during acute renal colic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2007, 108 patients were treated by ESWL for obstructing ureteral stones causing acute renal colic. ESWL was performed within 24 hours of the onset of renal colic. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39.5 years (11-72 years). Male/female ratio was 85/23. Mean stone size was 8.45 mm (4-20 mm). They were located in the pelvic (n = 53), iliac (n = 28) or lumbar (n = 27) region. Fragmentation after a single session was complete in 56 patients (52 percent), incomplete in 28 (26 percent), and absent in 24 (22 percent). Patients presenting incomplete fragmentation underwent a second (n = 28) or even a third session (n = 11). Of the 24 patients in whom ESWL had no impact on the stone, 21 underwent ureteroscopy, and in one case open ureterolithotomy for a patient with a hard 17 mm stone, while spontaneous passage occurred in two patients with small stones. CONCLUSION: Emergency ESWL for obstructing ureteral stones has a satisfactory success rate and very low morbidity. The stone-free rate of retreating ureteral calculi with ESWL decreases significantly after failed initial treatment. Stone size may be the main predictive factor for retreatment. We suggest that no more than 3 treatments should be given for a particular stone due to minimal improvement in the subsequent cumulative treatment success rate.

The Effect of Tamsulosin on Expulsion of Ureteral Stones after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin on expulsion of ureteral stones after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients(39 with upper ureteral stones and 37 with lower ureteral stones) treated with ESWL for stones <10mm were randomly divided into two groups. Tamsulosin(0.2mg orally once daily) was administered to group 1; group 2 received no medications. All patients were evaluated with respect to the number of episodes of ureteral colic, the expulsion rates of stones after ESWL, and the mean number of sessions of ESWL until complete expulsion of stones. RESULTS: The complete expulsion rates of upper and lower ureteral stones did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 during each session of ESWL; however, the mean session of ESWL was lower in group 1 than in group 2. For upper ureteral stones, 1.8 sessions were necessary per patient in group 1, while 2.3 sessions were required for the patients in group 2(p=0.039). For lower ureteral stones, 2.0 sessions were necessary per patient in group 1, while 2.9 sessions were required for the patients in group 2(p=0.032). There were significant decreases in the number of episodes of pain in group 1 with lower ureteral stones(p=0.014). There were no side effects associated with tamsulosin. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tamsulosin in the treatment of upper and lower ureteral stones after ESWL can decrease the mean number of sessions of ESWL and the number of episodes of pain, but cannot improve the expulsion rate. Further research regarding the cost-effectiveness of tamsulosin after ESWL is needed.