Pediatric Low Energy Lithotripsy With the Lithostar

Abstract
Between November 1988 and July 1993, 238 renal stones and 208 ureteral stones were treated in 446 pediatric patients using 26 mobile and 2 fixed base Siemens Lithostar lithotriptors. The stones were treated by a group of 245 urologists using the modified Puigvert technique and the standard shock tube. The success rate for renal stones (asymptomatic fragments less than 4 mm.) was 76.6%, stone-free rate was 67.9%, retreatment rate was 14.1% and ancillary procedures were performed in 36.3%. The stone-free rate for ureteral stones was 91.1%, retreatment rate was 3.5% and ancillary procedures were performed in 17.7%. Anesthesia was required in 31% of the renal and 21% of the ureteral procedures. Sepsis in a 6-year-old child after treatment of a ureteral stone was the only major complication. Low energy lithotripsy with the Lithostar in our series of pediatric patients was safe and effective.