Methodology, Results and Complications in 2000 Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Procedures

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary— Since the installation of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor (ESWL) unit 12 months ago, 2000 lithotripsy procedures have been performed. Overall, 68.4% of patients were stone‐free by the end of the first month. Residual lithiasis (fragments < 0.5 cm) was seen in 19.7% of patients and significant lithiasis (fragments > 0.5 cm) was observed in 10.1%. Complications were obstruction, infection, headache due to the epidural anaesthesia, anuria, renal failure, perirenal haematoma and cardiac arrest. A number of patients required additional operative treatment; this was always endoscopic and no open procedures were performed. Hospitalisation averaged 1 day.