Shockwave Lithotripsy of Upper Urinary Tract Calculi - Outcomes of a Multicentre International Prospective Observational Study
Abstract
Introduction
Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a surgical procedure used in urolithiasis treatment. Several factors can influence its results. This study aims to evaluate “real-world” success rates and identify predictors of treatment success in patients undergoing SWL.
Methods
Adult patients undergoing SWL for urolithiasis at three institutions in Canada and Oman were prospectively enrolled. Treatment success after a maximum of two SWL sessions was assessed by post-operative imaging. Logistic regression assessed for predictors of treatment success.
Results
Between May 2021 and February 2022, 271 patients were prospectively enrolled. Overall success rate was 46.1% after one SWL session, and 58.3% after two sessions. In the univariable and multivariable analyses, smaller stone size and stone surface, and lower stone attenuation on Computerized Tomography were predictors of treatment success.
Conclusion
After two SWL sessions, overall success was 58.3%. Factors related to the stone appear to be the most important in predicting treatment success after SWL.