ESWL versus open surgery for vesical calculi in children: a comparative study

This comparative study was conducted to compare open surgery and Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy [ESWL] in the management of vesical calculi in children. This study was aimed at finding ways to reduce hospital stay and surgical intervention and anesthesia in paediatric group of patients. Thirty two children underwent ESWL and another 10 cystolithotomy. All patients undergoing open surgery required hospitalization and general anaesthesia. 35% of children receiving ESWL did not require any kind of anaesthesia or analgesia. Lithotripsy was done on outpatient basis, only 2 [6.25%] children needed admission after ESWL for endoscopic removal of impacted stone fragments. There were no other complications following ESWL. Mean hospital stay in patients undergoing ESWL was 8.33 hours against 7.3 days in the other group. Success rate of ESWL was 100%. ESWL of vesicolithiasis has proved fairly simple, effective and safe modality of treatment, however it is not cost effective for the government considering the annual maintenance charges of the equipment. Vesicolithotomy is associated with more operative trauma, post-operative pain and prolonged hospitalization