Saturday, December 8, 2018
Story of lithotripsy today!
Through years of personal research, and experience of over 18 years in lithotripsy. Every time I read the published article or attend a congress, I go back to my childhood days. The story told by my grandfather refreshes in my mind “the story of blind men and elephant” (link).
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Not all shockwaves created by different lithotripters are equal
Shockwave lithotripsy revolutionized the treatment of kidney stones in the early 1980s –
representing a huge leap in advancement of technology; from open surgical
techniques to non-invasive ones.
Physicians
took to the leap in technology with enthusiasm, and patients reaped the
benefits. Over the years, systems became more user friendly, but also varied in
key aspects.
The methods
used to generate shockwaves were different – each method of shockwave
generation having it’s own unique characteristics.
Developments
in imaging modality in x-rays and ultrasound also provided a difference, with
modern ultrasound providing better specificity and sensitivity than earlier
versions.
The
independent development of modern shockwave and imaging technology in certain
devices has led to a variation of results in ESWL, depending on the specific
device.
As such –
“Not all shockwaves created by different lithotripters are equal”, as
differences in shockwave generation and imaging modality are factors which
influence treatment outcomes.
When
evaluating Lithotripsy methods, physicians should bear this in mind –
especially when comparing results of endourology with shockwave lithotripsy.
For further
insight and perspective, it is recommended that ESWL and other methods of lithotripsy be classified further.
To remain
truly unbiased, we recommend the following key factors should be highlighted in
published articles (both for and against ESWL):
- Shockwave generator technology
- Imaging modality used
- Energy delivered
- Frequency of shockwaves
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Friday, January 22, 2016
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Article on comparison of ESWL (Siemens Lithostar) with Flexible uretreoscopy (RIRS).
Abstract
To compare the outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the treatment of upper or mid calyx kidney stones of 10 to 20 mm.
A total of 174 patients with radioopaque solitary upper or mid calyx stones who underwent ESWL or F-URS with holmium:YAG laser were enrolled in this study. Each group treated with ESWL and F-URS for upper or mid calyx kidney stones were retrospectively compared in terms of retreatment and stone free rates, and complications.
87% (n = 94) of patients who underwent ESWL therapy was stone free at the end of 3rd month. This rate was 92% (n = 61) for patients of F-URS group (p = 0.270 p > 0.05). Retreatment was required in 12.9% of patients (n = 14) who underwent ESWL and these patients were referred to F-URS procedure after 3rd month radiologic investigations. The retreatment rate of cases who were operated with F-URS was 7.5% (n = 5) (p = 0.270 p > 0.05). Ureteral perforation (Clavien grade 3B) was occured in 3 patients (4.5%) who underwent F-URS. Fever (Clavien grade 1) was noted in 7 and 5 patients from ESWL and F-URS group, respectively (6.4% vs 7.5%) (p = 0.78 p > 0.05).
F-URS and ESWL have similar outcomes for the treatment of upper or mid calyx renal stones of 10–20 mm. ESWL has the superiority of minimal invasiveness and avoiding of general anethesia. F-URS should be kept as the second teratment alternative for patients with upper or mid caliceal stones of 10–20 mm and reserved for cases with failure in ESWL.
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