Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Monotherapy for Staghorn Stone with EDAP LT-02 Lithotriptor

Kang, Seong Sei; Choi, Ho Cheol; Choi, Sung Hyup

Abstract

PURPOSE: The clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) monotherapy with EDAP LT-02 (LT-02) lithotriptor for staghorn stone was estimated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty eight patients (39 renal units) with staghorn stone had been treated by ESWL monotherapy with LT-02 lithotriptor that had piezoelectric system with mounted C-arm and ultrasound unit (dual localization system) between Jan. 1996 and Dec. 2000. Success rate (SR) and stone free rate (SFR) were evaluated according to the stone type, volume and associated hydronephrosis.
RESULTS
Overall SR and SFR were 56% and 38%. SR (SFR) of complete and incomplete staghorn stone were 57 (36%) and 56 (40%). SR (SFR) of stone under and over 20ml of volume were 53 (40%) and 58 (38%). SR (SFR) according to the associated hydronephrosis were 78 (57%), 44 (27%), and 42 (27%) in patients with no (group 1), mild (group 2), and severe hydronephrosis (group 3). SR (SFR) were not different in terms of stone type and volume but significantly low in patients with hydronephrosis. Auxillary procedures (percutaneous nephrostomy: 4 renal units, ureteral stent: 1 renal unit) were required in 5 renal units due to complete ureteral obstruction.
CONCLUSIONS
In spite of low SR and SFR and multiple treatment sessions, we consider ESWL monotherapy to be a minimally invasive alternative treatment in patients with staghorn stone as outpatient procedure without the fear of ureteral stent, percutaneous nephrostomy and other auxillary procedures. Associated hydronephrosis is considered to be poor outcome factor of ESWL monotherapy in patients with staghorn stone.