Pathological effects of extracorporeally generated shock waves on calcified aortic aneurysm tissue

Renovascular acute renal failure precipitated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatic stones is considered a safe and efficient method to facilitate fragmentation and stone removal. We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman with a solitary functioning kidney who presented an acute-onset anuria and renovascular renal failure the day after ESWL. We speculate that vascular calcifications in the area targeted by shock waves played a critical role in renal artery obstruction in the present case.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy

This article reviews the basic anesthetic considerations for ESWL and PCNL. General principles governing the operation of lithotripters, elements of treatment that impinge on safety, and effective intraoperative anesthesia and complications that may be encountered in the perioperative period are discussed. Factors influencing blood loss and concerns arising from positioning patients prone are addressed in the sections devoted to PCNL.