Extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL) contemporary method in treatment of kidney stones

Abstract

Introducing: Urolithiasis occupies an important place in the structure of urological pathology, being highlighted as both theoretical discipline and practical field of urology. This phenomenon is linked to increased incidence, significant and geographical distribution of disease. In Republic of Moldova, from 2005 urolithiasis ranks first in urological pathology of the hospitalizations, with a frequency of 70% in patients 20-50 years of age. Stones reduce the average life span of 5 to 20% of patients, and recurrences are found in 50-67% of cases. Frequency of pathology, clinical cases, the possibility of complications occurrence, difficulties arisen in diagnosis and treatment, emphasizes the need of further studies related to urolithiasis.

Materials and methods: Studying reviews, was evaluated the disease incidence in Moldova and its particularities. I studied the lithotripsy extracorporeal principle, reviewed the history of the pathology, shock waves system as well as gallstones tracking, highlighting side effects of ESWL, highlighting indications and contraindications and monitoring of ESWL complications.

Results: Lithotripsy or shock therapy increased the rate of success in treatment of urinary stones in last 30 years. The development of extracorporeal method Associated with endoscopic surgeries has made an important gain. Statistics show that between 75% and 90% of patients requiring treatment are now undergoing extracorporeal shock wave treatment. Being a minimally invasive treatment, it is well tolerated by patients and requires minimal cost compared to surgical methods. Also, the endoscopic therapy reduces length of hospitalization and duration of work incapacity.

Conclusions: In our research we determined the importance of proper indications and contraindications for treatment of kidneys stones by ESWL. ESWL is "gold standard" in the treatment of kidney stones with sizes less than 2cm, obstructively. Success rate is up to 90%. Establishing proper treatment with ESWL procedures to decrease the rate of complications and a significant decrease of difficult cases of urinary stones.