Percutaneous Ultrasound Procedures for the Treatment of Kidney Stones

Abstract

Percutaneous lithotripsy has achieved widespread diffusion throughout the medical community and is described by many authors as the manipulative treatment of choice in an increasing number of patients with renal stones. Appropriate use of percutaneous lithotripsy is not an isolated event of patient management but is considered to be one episode in the medical#surgical management of nephrolithiasis. Medical management must be initiated at the first determination of the presence of the stone or at the time of the diagnosis of one of the underlying conditions which predispose to stone formation. In spite of the fact that no randomized prospective trial studies are available, the overall preponderance of the available information is that percutaneous lithotripsy for the treatment of kidney stones is a safe and efficacious procedure. In addition, it has achieved widespread acceptance and is generally employed throughout the country. Cooperation between the physician responsible for medical management of the patient, the urologist, and the radiologist appears to be an essential ingredient for successful management. Long-term studies are indicated to determine the true incidence of complications and the long-range effects of the procedures employed by the percutaneous route.