Comparison of the effectiveness of Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Treatment of Lower Pole Kidney Stones: Single Center, Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objective: In this study we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRC) in treatment of lower pole kidney stones. Material and Methods: The data of 134 patients who underwent SWL or RIRC treatment for lower pole kidney stone between January 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The groups were compared statistically in terms of demographic characteristics, stone characteristics and stone-free rates. Results: Ninety-two (68.7%) male and 42 (31.3%) female patients were included in the study. Fifty-nine (44.0%) patients had stone in the right kidney and 75 (56.0%) had stone in the left kidney. The mean age of all patients was 47 ± 16 years, stone burden was 94.7 ± 62.0 mm2 and Hounsfield Unit was calculated as 819.5 ± 256.2. There were 73 (54.5%) patients in the SWL group and 61 (45.5%) patients in the RIRC group. Stone-free rates were calculated as 52.1% and 72.1% for SWL and RIRC groups, respectively. Although stone burden was higher in RIRC group than SWL group, stone-free rate was higher (p=0.004 and p=0.018, respectively). Conclusion: When compared with SWL, higher stone-free rates can be achieved with RIRC with lower number of sessions even in cases with higher stone burden.

Keywords

• kidney stone
• intrarenal surgery
• shock wave lithotripsy
• stone-free