Piezoelectric Lithotripsy of Ureteral Stones: Influence of Shockwave Frequency on Sedation and Therapeutic Efficiency

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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this randomized study was to assess the relation between shockwave frequency, sedation, and efficiency in piezoelectric extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for ureteral calculi. Methods: A random sample of 114 patients aged between 15 and 74 (mean 45) years were treated at the shockwave frequencies of 1 (N = 57) or 4 (N = 57) per second using the EDAP LT 02 lithotripter at maximum energy. The stones' largest diameter ranged from 5 to 18 mm (mean 7.6 mm). Lower ureteral stones were treated with the patient in the prone position and upper ureteral stones in supine position. The duration of SWL sessions and stone measurements were statistically similar for patients treated at low and high frequencies. The levels of required sedation (none, intramuscular analgesia, intravenous sedation–analgesia) and stone-free rates after one session were analyzed by Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Sedation did not differ statistically with SWL frequency for mid and low...