Abstract

Abstract

AIM: Urinary stone disease affects people of all ages. With its satisfactory efficacy ranges in all age groups and lack of side-effects, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the preferred treatment modality for uncomplicated renal and proximal calculi ≤20 mm. In the present study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the ESWL treatment in elderly patients.

METHODS:  A retrospective study was carried out on patients aged over 65 years who underwent shock wave lithotripsy at our Department from 2009 to 2011, with a Siemens Lithostar electromagnetic shockwave lithotripter. A total of 231 patients (157 males, 74 females) out of 1694 (13.6%) were studied. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1 = 65-70; group 2 >70). The effect of age and other possible predicting factors (sex, stone localization and stone size) were investigated. Concomitant diseases and related complications were also evaluated.

RESULTS: An overall stone-free rate (SFR) of 82.2% was found. The influence of sex on SFR was non-significant. There was no significant difference when comparing SFR between the age groups. When patients were divided into those with renal and ureteral stones, the SFR were 94.4% and 67.6% (P 10 mm were 80% and 84.4%, respectively. Comorbidity was present in 148 patients. Complications were noted in 56 of 231 patients. Of 56 patients, 43 had minor complications and 13 major complications.

CONCLUSIONS: ESWL seems to be an effective first-line treatment choice for urinary stones in elderly patients with careful patient selection and personalized preparation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 413-417.

© 2011 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2012 Jul;12(3):413-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2011.00781.x. Epub  2011 Dec 23

PMID: 22212400 [PubMed - in process]

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Peter Alken