Radiation doses to patients from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

The aim of this study was to determine the radiation doses to patients during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and compare them with the available bibliographical data. In this method localization of the renal stones is attained by the use of fluoroscopy, and thus ESWL is included among those medical practices associated with patient radiation exposure. The entrance surface dose was measured using 3-4 thermoluminescent dosimeters positioned on the patients' backs at the entrance surfaces of the two x-ray beams for 50 ESWL procedures.

The necessity of prophylactic antibiotics during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

In this study we treated 340 patients with renal and ureteric stones. They all underwent ESWL with the HM-4 lithotriptor. The patients were divided into two groups, the first one including 250 patients and the second 90.

Distal ureteral calculi: ureteroscopy vs. ESWL. A prospective analysis.

Two groups of 50 consecutive patients each, with distal ureteric calculi, were treated by ureteroscopy or in situ ESWL (Dornier HM-4 lithotriptor) in order to establish the effectiveness of ESWL at the distal portion of the ureter. In comparison to ureteroscopy, ESWL for distal ureteral calculi was performed on an outpatient basis, required less time, patients had more rapid convalescence and the procedure was simpler and safer. The overall success rate was 100% for ureteroscopy and 92% for ESWL.

Double-pigtail stents for distal ureteral calculi: an alternative form of definitive treatment.

In this study, we treated patients with a solitary distal ureteral stone of less than 10 mm in maximum diameter by placing a double-pigtail stent and subsequently removing it allowing the calculus to pass spontaneously. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean stone size of 5.1 x 3.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of middle ureteral calculi: ventral shock wave application.

A total of 150 patients presenting with stone in the middle iliac ureter were treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using a Dornier HM-4 lithotriptor. For adequate radiological stone visualization and excellent fragmentation, the prone position was used in all patients. In 45 patients (30%) an ureteral stent was placed before treatment.