Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Clinical results

The uroradiological experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment of over 1,500 urinary calculi is summarized. Percutaneous nephrostomies were needed in 5-50% of ESWL patients depending upon the size and location of stone being treated. Over 25% of percutaneous nephrostomy tracts were subsequently used for other procedures. When staghorn calculi were treated by ESWL, the collaborative efforts of uroradiologists and urologists is mandatory.