Remote shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of urolithiasis in children: types and possibilities

Abstract

Introduction. Recently, the prevalence of urolithiasis in pediatric population has been steadily increasing, but up to now there is no any universal technique for treating urolithiasis in children. Among many options for surgical treatment of upper urinary tract urolithiasis, remote lithotripsy occupies one of the leading positions.Purpose. To highlight principles and mechanisms of remote lithotripsy, its indications and contraindications using a systemic review of modern literature for the period of 2001–2021.Material and methods. A systematic review of foreign and domestic literature for the period of 2001–2021 was made. Key words for the search were : urinary stone disease, urolithiasis, remote (shock wave) nephrolithotripsy, fragmentation of stones. 64 full-text articles out of 1339 literature sources are included in the review.Results. On analyzing the obtained results, it has been found out that one session of remote shock wave lithotripsy is effective in more than 90% of cases, if calculus dimensions are less than 20 mm and its density is less than 1200–1500 Hounsfield units. Location of the calculus also plays a role.Conclusion. Remote shock wave lithotripsy is a reasonable option due to a number of facts, the main of which are non-invasive approach and a large percentage of favorable outcomes associated with cleaning the upper urinary tract from stones.