Objective: To evaluate the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteric calculi and determine the factors which influence outcome. Patients and methods: A retrospective audit of patients with a single ureteric stone receiving ESWL was performed. Success was defined as complete stone clearance on post-treatment imaging. Patient demographics and stone characteristics were correlated to ESWL outcome. Results: 108 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age of the patients was 52.5 years (range 24–89 years). 80% (86/108) of patients were male. Stone sizes varied from 4 to 19 mm (mean 7.92 mm). The overall ESWL success rate for ureteric stones was 79%. Treatment was more effective for smaller ( p = 0.003) and more located stones ( p = 0.035). Stone size correlated with number of treatments required ( p =0.005). A JJ stent in situ at the time of ESWL reduced the success rate ( p = 0.002). Conclusions: Stone size, site in the ureter, and the presence of a JJ stent were predictors of ESWL success. Our study from a District General Hospital in the UK demonstrates that ESWL may be used with high efficacy to treat ureteric stones.
Has the pelvic renal stone position inside the upper loop of JJ stent any influence on the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy results?