Shock wave lithotripsy of vesical stones in patients with infravesical obstruction: an underused noninvasive approach.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of shock wave lithotripsy in the management vesical stones in patients with infravesical obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2007 to April 2010, 59 male patients with infravesical obstruction were treated using the Dornier Compact Delta II Lithotriptor for urinary bladder stones. The indications for shock wave lithotripsy included patients refusing invasive procedures or those with orthopedic malformations hindering the lithotomy position. The mean age was 61.6 ± 8.6 years (range 44-78), and the mean body mass index was 29 ± 5.1 kg/m(2) (range 20.5-45). The mean stone diameter was 26.6 ± 9.8 mm (range 12-50). All patients underwent an initial session and were re-evaluated using ultrasonography and urinary tract plain radiography at 2-week intervals.

RESULTS

All patients were treated in the supine position. The number of shocks ranged from 1910 to 9500. Of the 59 patients, 47 and 11 were cleared by 1 or 2 sessions, respectively; 1 patient required a third session to be cleared of stones. All patients develop mild hematuria and started to pass gravel in the first void after the shock wave lithotripsy session. All patients were rendered stone free within 6 weeks. During follow-up, only 2 male patients developed temporary acute urine retention necessitating urethral catheter fixation. Both patients had a neurologic insult.

CONCLUSION

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is an effective, noninvasive approach to disintegrate vesical stones in patients with infravesical obstruction with adequate fragment clearance.