Ultrasound guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SONO ESWL) versus fluoroscopy guided ESWL in patients with radiopaque renal stones

Abstract

Abstract Our study revealed that the localization modality on ESWL (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) didn’t affect the clinical outcomes of ESWL. Furthermore, the main advantages of ultrasound guided ESWL are protection of the patients and the operators from further exposure to ionizing radiation and allow real time monitoring during the ESWL session, which allow the operator to “shoot” shockwaves only when the stone is in the target zone, sparing adjacent normal renal tissue from shockwave exposure that would otherwise occur with localization by intermittent fluoroscopic control. An important disadvantage of ultrasound guided EWSL is that it is difficult to localize ureteric stone. Even in patients with radio-opaque renal stones, ultrasound can be used to guide extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy as effectively as fluoroscopy, without any risk of radiation. We recommend using ultrasound guided ESWL if available in treatment of renal stones <20 mm due to its efficacy and safety. Keywords: Complete blood count, Computed tomography, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Percutaneous nephrolithotomy