Govindarajan K K. 2025: Variation coefficient of stone density - can it crack the stone?

Krishna Kumar Govindarajan
World J Nephrol. 2025 Sep 25;14(3):101469.  DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i3.101469 FREE FULL TEXT

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is recognised as the ideal non-invasive procedure for urolithiasis. However, the suitability of ESWL varies depending on the composition of the stone. The chemical structure of the stone may not be uniform throughout the stone and this heterogeneity provides the clue in the form of variation coefficient of stone density. To be aware of the success of the stone breakage by ESWL is an advantage upfront, so that it is possible to apply the technology to the most appropriate patient. This is an important aspect in the successful management of urolithiasis.

Comment Peter Alken

This is a very short paper with no own data and 7 references on the superior value of the variation coefficient of stone density (VCSD) compared to other parameters to estimate the susceptibility of a stone to fragment under ESWL. One sentence presents the core message: “Instances of analogous
standard deviation but dissimilar stone composition are common.”

Peter Alken