Comparison of different shock wave frequencies on stone disintegration in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; 60, 80 and 100/min

Abstract

Abstract Background We know that SWL started on February 07, 1980, by Christian Chaussy with a wide range of indications. Complication rate has always remained very low and usually limited to minor side effects and complications. This study shows the impact of different shock wave release frequencies 60, 80 & 100/min on disintegration of renal stones. Methods A total number of 210 patients with mean age (40 ± 15) years with renal stone who were candidate for SWL divided into 3 groups each are 70 patients on rate 60,80 and 100 per min), Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test used in the study. Results Complete stone clearance( defined as complete stone free) was obtained in 184 patients 87.6% after one session, the highest success rate 94.3% were obtained in the second group of patients ( with shock wave frequency 80/min) followed by the first group 87.1% (with shock wave frequency 60/min), and patients with highest frequency (100/min) had the lowest success rate 81.4%. Conclusions The best option is using intermediate shock wave rate 80/min to obtain highest success rate and mild pain. Using high rate 100/min is not favorable due to least disintegration rate with highest pain. Using rate 60/min shows less success than rate 80/min despite it less painful.