Treatment of severe post-ESWL complications

Abstract

Objective To study the treatment and prevention of severe complications after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 cases with severe complications after ESWL,including 10 males and 11 females,with average age of 47 (34-71) years.All 21 cases underwent ESWL,with average of 3(1-21) times.7 cases had calculi in ureter and 14 had calculi in kidney.1 case was treated bilaterally.14 cases had fever and the highest temperature was 42.1 ℃.Urinalysis of 21 cases was found abnormal and white blood cell showed positive(+-+++).Complete blood count also appeared abnormal and white blood cell exceeded normal range from 10.5 to 23.4× 106/L.SCr of 6 cases were abnormal fromn 230 to 1 110 μmol/L.All the cases were checked with ultrasound,KUB and CT scan,included 5 cases underwent enhanced CT scan.The severe complications post-ESWL were listed as following:3 renal subcapsular hematoma,6 urinary extravasation with retroperitoneal infection,5 pyelonephritis,6 acute renal failure and 1 renal atrophy after operation.All patients were treated properly according to the respective condition.Results 3 renal subcapsular hematoma had absorbed by non-surgical treatment after 3 months.In 6 cases with urinary extravasation with retroperitoneal infection,2 were recovered by placing double J stents and antibiotics after 1 week.4 cases with renal abscess were healed with incision and drainage operation.In 5 cases with pyelonephritis,symptoms of 4 cases relieved by ureteroscopic operation or nephrostomy.1 case underwent nephrectomy due to severe hydronephrosis and empyemata.6 cases with actute renal failure were relieved by ureteroscopic operation or placing double J stents.2 cases with acute renal failure were caught in SCr levels of compensation stage.The others 4 were recovered completely.1 case underwent nephrectomy due to renal atrophy and loss of function.Conclusions The severe complications post-ESWL are common to seen in clinical practice,but most of them can be forecasted and prevented.Diagnosing exactly and treating properly are the most important strategy. Key words: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy; Complication; Surgical treatment