Comparison of Slow Rate versus Fast Rate Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Patients with Urolithiasis

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the success of slow rate with fast rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients undergoing treatment of urolithiasis. Study design: Randomized controlled trial Place & Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Urology Department of Sandeman Civil Hospital, Quetta for one year duration from 1stApril 2020 to 30thMarch 2021. Methods: Total ninety patients who were divided in two equal groups i.e. Group A in which patients received treatment with slow rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and group B in which patients received treatment with fast rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Results: There were 32 (71.1%) male patients and 13 (28.9%) female patients in group A. In group B, there were 28 (62.2%) male patients and 17 (37.8%) female patients. Mean age in group A was 35.61+4.19 years while in group B, the mean age was 34.11+69.32 years. The success rate of slow rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was 36 (80%) and that of fast rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was 21 (46.7%) (p-<0.05). Conclusions: The slow rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is better than fast rate extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for elimination of urolithiasis. Keywords: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, Slow rate ESWL, Fast rate ESWL