Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Children

Jeong, Choong Sik; Rho, Joon; Park, Do Young

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has proved to be an effective method of treating upper urinary tract calculi in adults. But the application of ESWL in children was less clearly defined. We report on 28 pediatric patients who were treated by ESWL with the Northgate SD-3 lithotriptor between June, 1989 and May, 1994. The patient age ranged from 2 years to 17 years, with an average age of 11.1 years. The conditions known to be associated with stone formation were urinary tract infection in 6 patients (21.4%), vesicoureteral reflux in 1 patient (3.6%) and unknown in other patients. The total average success rate of treatment was 92.9%. ESWL complications required admission and surgical management were not observed. We concluded that ESWL with the Northgate SD-3 lithotriptor is a safe and effective method of treating upper urinary tract calculi in children.