RESUMO
PURPOSE: The clinical effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(SWL) monotherapy for staghorn stone was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with staghorn stone treated by SWL monotherapy with Dornier MPL 9000 between April 1990 and December 1997 was reviewed. Dornier MPL 9000 lithotriptor was characterized by ultrasonic localization, automatic target system, water cushion and under water spark gap generation of shock wave. The number of treatment sessions for complete clearance, complications and ancillary procedures were compared regarding type and volume of the stone. RESULTS: All stones were completely fragmented and cleared without serious complications. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5.2 in incomplete type(16 cases) and 6.6 in complete type(10 cases). It was 5.5 in stones under 20ml(12 cases) and 5.9 in stones over 20ml(14 cases). The ureteral stent was indwelled before SWL in 22 cases. The complication after SWL included steinstrasse in 14 cases and high fever in 4 cases. SWL to steinstrasse was performed in 6 cases and push-up was needed in 8 cases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in spite of the high number of treatment sessions, SWL monotherapy for staghorn offers good results without serious complications.