Safety of ESWL in elderly: Evaluation of independent predictors and comorbidity on stone‐free rate and complications

Aim: Urinary stone disease affects people of all ages. With its satisfactory efficacy ranges in all age groups and lack of side‐effects, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the preferred treatment modality for uncomplicated renal and proximal calculi ≤20 mm. In the present study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the ESWL treatment in elderly patients. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on patients aged over 65 years who underwent shock wave lithotripsy at our Department from 2009 to 2011, with a Siemens Lithostar electromagnetic shockwave lithotripter. A total of 231 patients (157 males, 74 females) out of 1694 (13.6%) were studied. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1 = 65–70; group 2 >70). The effect of age and other possible predicting factors (sex, stone localization and stone size) were investigated. Concomitant diseases and related complications were also evaluated. Results: An overall stone‐free rate (SFR) of 82.2% was found. The influence of sex on SFR was non‐significant. There was no significant difference when comparing SFR between the age groups. When patients were divided into those with renal and ureteral stones, the SFR were 94.4% and 67.6% (P < 0.01), respectively. The SFR of the stone size groups, ≤10 mm and >10 mm were 80% and 84.4%, respectively. Comorbidity was present in 148 patients. Complications were noted in 56 of 231 patients. Of 56 patients, 43 had minor complications and 13 major complications. Conclusion: ESWL seems to be an effective first‐line treatment choice for urinary stones in elderly patients with careful patient selection and personalized preparation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 413–417.