Complications and their prevention after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 80-90% of reno-ureteral stones have for treatment indication Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). Like a therapeutic procedure, extracorporeal lithotripsy may be accompanied by complications. Most of this are minor complications, but in a lower percentage, major complications can be appear.Materials and methods: The study was made in the Urology and Nephrology Department of the Republican Clinical Hospital, during January 2015 and November 2015, on a group of 120 (65 male and 55 female, mean age 41,3 years) patients diagnosed with reno-ureteral lithiasis and treated with ESWL. The dimension of the calculi has varied between 0,6 and 15 mm. Were analyzed the complications after ESWL. Results: Hematoma is the most serious complication of extracorporeal lithotripsy, with a low incidence (0,83%). Acute pyelonephritis (3,33%) occurs either due to a pre-existing urinary infection, or by the release of germs located into the calculi during fragmentation. Flanc pain (98,3%) was the most common symptom was on the side were was made de ESWL. The pain disappear after 2-3 days with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. „Steinstrasse” (5.83%) was another complication and was resolved by administration of conservative treatment. Conclusions: ESWL is a safe method to treat stones when proper indications are followed. But when we have the complication after ESWL we must as soon as possible to find this complications and to treat as well.