Abstract
Clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRFs) are small fragments (less than 5 mm) that are present in upper urinary tract at the time of regular post-SWL followup. The term is controversial because they may remain silent and asymptomatic or become a risk factor for stone growth and recurrence, leading to symptomatic events, and need further urologic treatment. Although a stone-free state is the desired outcome of surgical treatment of urolithiasis, the authors believe that the presence of noninfected, nonobstructive, asymptomatic residual fragments can be managed metabolically in order to prevent stone growth and recurrence. Further urologic intervention is warranted if clinical indications for stone removal are present.
Highlights
With the introduction of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in 1980, the treatment of renal calculi was revolutionised
Few medical innovations have had the dramatic effect of SWL which quickly became the treatment of choice for most upper-tract calculi [1]
When open surgery was the standard treatment for the management of renal calculi, the presence of residual stones suggested a failed procedure, even if those remaining stones were small [2]
Summary
With the introduction of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in 1980, the treatment of renal calculi was revolutionised. Few medical innovations have had the dramatic effect of SWL which quickly became the treatment of choice for most upper-tract calculi [1]. When open surgery was the standard treatment for the management of renal calculi, the presence of residual stones suggested a failed procedure, even if those remaining stones were small [2]. The residual fragments are defined as all fragments remaining in the kidney 3 months after the last session of SWL. In case of persistence within the upper urinary tract, these fragments may grow and gain clinical relevance again, becoming symptomatic or requiring intervention [5]. This article paper the implications of residual fragments after lithotripsy and suggests guidelines for their management
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