Effect of Tissue Densities at the Skin-to-Stone Distance on the Success of Shockwave Lithotripsy

Objective: There are several factors affecting the success of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), which is still one of the first-line treatments for renal stones smaller than 2 cm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thickness and density measurements obtained by computed tomography (CT) for various tissues within the route of shockwaves on the outcome of SWL treatment success. Materials and Methods: The data of 89 patients who underwent SWL for renal pelvic stones smaller than 2 cm between July 2020 and September 2021 were prospectively evaluated. Age, sex, body mass index, stone volume, stone density, skin-to-stone distance, tissue thickness and density, hydronephrosis, number of shockwaves, and SWL success were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to SWL success: SWL success and SWL failure groups. Demographic data and CT parameters were compared between the groups. Results: Stone-free status (