[Treatment of childhood lithiasis using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy].

Objectives: We evaluated the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis, analyzing results and complications in our series.
Methods/results: 20 patients (16 males and 4 females) with ages from 2 to 17 years were evaluated. Twelve patients presented left side lithiasis (60%). The size of the stone was measured in cm2 areas. 6 cases (30%) presented with lower calyx stones and 5 cases (25.9%) with stones in the pelvic ureter. 2 patients required JJ catheter insertion. Mean number of shock waves per session was 2,650 (range: 1,000-3,800). The Dornier Lithotripter S and Dornier MFL-5000 lithotripsy machines were used in the range of 10-120 Kv and 14-23 Kv respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed at one week and three months from treatment, including abdomen x-ray to obtain fragmentation and elimination percentages. In our series total fragmentation was achieved in 100% of the cases, without any patient with partial fragmentation (fragments > 5 mm). Elimination percentages were satisfactory, with a 65% total elimination and 30% partial elimination (residual fragments < 5 mm) within one week. One patient had no elimination at all.
Conclusions: After the results obtained in our series, we consider external shock wave lithotripsy the first treatment option in cases of pediatric urolithiasis.