A randomized controlled trial to assess the incidence of new onset hypertension in patients after shock wave lithotripsy for asymptomatic renal calculi.

PURPOSE

To answer the question of whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*) induces hypertension, a prospective, randomized controlled trial of normotensive patients with asymptomatic renal calculi was designed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive immediate ESWL versus observation, reserving ESWL for the onset of symptoms. The rates of new onset hypertension were evaluated for both groups.

RESULTS

There was no observed difference in the incidence of hypertension between the treatment and observation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of hypertension in patients undergoing ESWL therapy is similar to that of a control cohort of initially observed asymptomatic patients.