First Clinical Experience With Extracorporeally Induced Destruction of Kidney Stones by Shock Waves

Abstract

This chapter reviews the findings of the initial case series of patients with renal stones treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with 12 months of follow-up. In the majority of patients, the renal stones were broken up into fragments that could pass spontaneously, and only a few patients required surgical interventions. Renal function did not appear adversely impacted by the procedure.