Factors Affecting the Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy in Urinary Stone Treatment

Stone decision engine accurately predicts stone removal and treatment complications for shock wave lithotripsy and laser ureterorenoscopy patients

Kidney stones form when mineral salts crystallize in the urinary tract. While most stones exit the body in the urine stream, some can block the ureteropelvic junction or ureters, leading to severe lower back pain, blood in the urine, vomiting, and painful urination. Imaging technologies, such as X-rays or ureterorenoscopy (URS), are typically used to detect kidney stones. Subsequently, these stones are fragmented into smaller pieces using shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or laser URS. Both treatments yield subtly different patient outcomes. To predict successful stone removal and complication outcomes, Artificial Neural Network models were trained on 15,126 SWL and 2,116 URS patient records. These records include patient metrics like Body Mass Index and age, as well as treatment outcomes obtained using various medical instruments and healthcare professionals. Due to the low number of outcome failures in the data (e.g., treatment complications), Nearest Neighbor and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) models were implemented to improve prediction accuracies. To reduce noise in the predictions, ensemble modeling was employed. The average prediction accuracies based on Confusion Matrices for SWL stone removal and treatment complications were 84.8% and 95.0%, respectively, while those for URS were 89.0% and 92.2%, respectively. The average prediction accuracies for SWL based on Area-Under-the-Curve were 74.7% and 62.9%, respectively, while those for URS were 77.2% and 78.9%, respectively. Taken together, the approach yielded moderate to high accurate predictions, regardless of treatment or outcome. These models were incorporated into a Stone Decision Engine web application (http://peteranoble.com/webapps.html) that suggests the best interventions to healthcare providers based on individual patient metrics.

Factors influencing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones: a retrospective study

The aim of the study was to analyze the factors influencing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteral stones. The clinical data of 8102 patients (6083 men and 2019 women) who presented with ureteral stones were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with ultrasound-guided ESWL. The stone-free rate (SFR) was calculated to evaluate the effect of ESWL. The characteristics of the patients and their stones, and the ESWL parameters applied were compared to identify the factors affecting the treatment outcomes. The SFR and that following one ESWL session were 94.6% (7663/8102) and 75.4% (6107/8102), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that stone location (OR 0.656, p < 0.001), stone size (OR 1.103, p < 0.001), and degree of hydronephrosis (OR 1.952, p < 0.001) independently affected SFR; and age (OR 1.005, p = 0.022), stone location (OR 0.729, p < 0.001), stone size (OR 1.103, p < 0.001), degree of hydronephrosis (OR 1.387, p = 0.001), maximum energy level(OR 0.691, p < 0.001) independently affected SFR following one session. Ultrasound-guided ESWL is effective in all levels of ureteral stones. Large stone size and moderate hydronephrosis are correlated with treatment failure. Ultrasound-guided ESWL may be the first choice for distal ureteral stones.

A Prospective Study on the Impact of Clinical Factors and Adjusted Triple D System for Success Rate of ESWL

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the success rate of ESWL and identify relevant treatment-specific factors affecting treatment outcomes, as well as to assess the accuracy of the updated Triple D scoring system and compare it with older systems. Material and Methods: A prospective study of 71 patients who received ESWL treatment for renal stones that were 5-15 mm in size was completed. The patient having no residual stones or residual stones lesser than 4 mm after ESWL was identified as a treatment success. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves were used to identify important factors for treatment outcomes. Results: Successful treatment was achieved for 66.2% of patients. The stone volume (SV), mean stone density (MD), and delivered power to the stone volume unit ratio (SMLI/SV) were defined as the most critical factors influencing ESWL success. An updated Triple D score system with a, SMLI/SV ratio could be an alternative to older systems and reach an even higher accuracy. A limitation of this study is the limited sample size due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Our results show that the three factors that most influence the success of ESWL are the stone size, mean stone density, and SMLI/SV ratio. Based on this, we present a simple updated triple D score system to predict ESWL success, which could be implemented in future clinical practice.

The effect of bioelectric impedance analysis on the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method that can show the distribution of fatty and lean mass of the body. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of BIA on extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) success. Our secondary aim was to determine the factors predicting transition from a single SWL session to multiple sessions. Patients who underwent SWL due to kidney stones were prospectively included. Demographics, pre-procedural BIA parameters (fat percentage, obesity degree, muscle mass, total water and metabolic rate), stone parameters, and number of SWL sessions were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyzes were made to determine independent risk factors for success. Then, the successful group was divided into two subgroups according to their SWL session number as one session or multiple sessions and multivariate regression analysis was made to determine independent risk factors. Stone-free status was achieved in 114 (61.2%) of 186 patients. Stone Hounsfield Unit (HU) (OR: 0.998, p = 0.004), stone volume (OR: 0.999, p = 0.023) and fat percentage (OR: 0.933, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for stone-free status in multivariate analysis. HU value of the stone (OR: 1.003, p = 0.005) and age (OR: 1.032, p = 0.031) were determined as independent risk factors for transition to multiple sessions in the subgroup analysis of the successful group. Fat percentage, stone volume, and stone density were determined as factors affecting success in SWL. Routine use of BIA may be considered to predict success before SWL. The probability of SWL success in a single session decreases as the age and stone's HU value increase.

Predictors of stone-free rate after a single-session extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for a single kidney stone measuring 10 to 20 mm: A private center experience

Background

Despite the continuous update of guidelines for the management of kidney stones, the ability to predict a successful response to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) remains a topic of research. This is due to the need to refine the decision making in the context of technological advancements and current pandemics. This study aimed to determine the predictors of stone-free rate (SFR) after single-session SWL in adult patients with a single kidney stone 10 to 20 mm in diameter.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of the records of patients with a single kidney stone 10 to 20 mm in diameter was performed at a private SWL center from December 2019 to February 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for stone- and patient-related factors, using the Student t and Mann-Whitney U tests for the quantitative variables and the Fisher exact and Pearson correlation tests for the qualitative variables.

Results

A total of 138 patients were eligible for this study, including 92 men and 46 women. The mean age was 38.6 ± 12.4 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 ± 3.4 kg/m2. Four weeks after SWL, 120 patients (87%) were free of stones, and 18 (13%) needed further treatment. Univariate analyses showed that SFR was negatively correlated with increased BMI (p = 0.0001), maximum stone length (p = 0.0001), transverse diameter of the stone (p = 0.0001), number of shocks per session (p = 0.052), and Hounsfield unit (HU) (p = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that HU (p = 0.009), maximum stone length (p = 0.01), BMI (p = 0.000), and presence of double-J stent (p = 0.034) were independent risk factors for failure of single-session SWL in the treatment of kidney stones 10 to 20 mm in diameter. The estimated average cost per case was USD 450.5.

Conclusions

Increased HU, maximum stone length, BMI, and presence of double-J stents were independent risk factors for low SFR after single-session SWL for a kidney stone 10 to 20 mm in diameter. The cost of SWL remains an advantage in the private sector.

What Is the Ideal Treatment for 20-30 mm Kidney Stones? Comparative Outcomes of 1197 Patients

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL), and standard-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (stPNL) for the treatment of 20-30 mm kidney stones. Methods: The records of 1197 patients (SWL = 149, RIRS = 205, mPNL = 525, and stPNL = 318) from 8 centers were reviewed retrospectively. Four procedures were compared for stone-free rates (SFRs), auxiliary treatment, and associated complications. Results: Initial SFRs were 43.6%, 54.6%, 86.7%, and 87.7% in SWL, RIRS, mPNL, and stPNL, respectively (P < .001), whereas the final SFRs were 71.8%, 80%, 90.5%, and 89.6% (P < .001). The rate of auxiliary treatment in the groups was 38.3%, 26.8%, 5%, and 4.4%, respectively (P < .001). The initial and final SFRs in the mPNL and stPNL groups were higher than those in SWL and RIRS groups (P < .001). The rate for auxiliary treatment was lower in the mPNL and stPNL groups (P < .001). The operation time was longer in the RIRS group (P = .005). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the complication rate in the SWL group was lower than that in the surgical approaches (P < .001); however, no statistical difference was detected between RIRS, mPNL, and stPNL groups. mPNL and stPNL had a higher success rate than RIRS or SWL for treating 20-30 mm kidney stones. Conclusion: In the treatment of 2-3 cm renal stones, RIRS and PNL were more effective than SWL to obtain a better SFR and less auxiliary treatment rate. Compared with RIRS, mPNL and stPNL provided a higher SFR with similar complication rates.

Non-contrast computed tomography-based factors in predicting ESWL success: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We assessed the efficacy of some predictive factors that can be measured with non-contrast computed tomography and may affect ESWL success with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All data sources were broadly investigated up to April 2022. Data were extracted from the relevant studies and analyzed with RevMan software. In a random effects model, standard mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) values were given with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In total, pooled analysis included 7148 patients in 43 studies. The combined effect estimate showed significant differences between the ESWL success and ESWL failure groups in terms of Hounsfield unit (HU), Hounsfield density (HD), skin to stone distance (SSD), ureteral wall thickness (UWT), stone volume, stone area, abdominal fat parameters, diameter of proximal ureter, and hydronephrosis. However, perinephric stranding and renal cortical thickness were not found to be statistically significant between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

HU, HD, SSD, UWT, stone volume, stone area, abdominal fat parameters, diameter of proximal ureter and hydronephrosis are effective factors for prediction of ESWL success. It is important to decide on treatment before the procedure for stones with appropriate diameter for ESWL.

Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Urolithiasis

Objectives The objectives of this study are to describe the role of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in evaluation of renal stones in current practice and elaborate the imaging findings that need to be reported to help surgeons make an appropriate management strategy for renal stones.

Background Nephrolithiasis is a global problem, affecting people across geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries. Renal stones can be accurately diagnosed on computed tomography.

Discussion With the development of DECT, renal stones can now be better characterized in terms of stone burden, stone composition, and stone fragility.

Conclusion These parameters are helpful to treating surgeons in not only planning an appropriate management for patient but also in predicting the success of the various procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, flexible ureterorenoscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Familiarity with recent developments will help radiologists give an apt description of renal stone to meet the requirements of treating surgeon.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Complications of Soft Ureteroscopy Lithotripsy and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Treatment of Urinary Calculi: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and complications of soft ureteroscopic lithotripsy (SUL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of urinary calculi and to provide evidence-proof medicine basis for the popularization and application of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, China knowledge Network Database (CNKI), China VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) related to soft ureteroscopic lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of urinary calculi from Jan. 2010 to Mar. 2022. The bias risk of each included literature was assessed according to the standard of Cochrane manual 5.1.0. The collected data were meta-analyzed by RevMan 5.4 statistical software.

Results

Ultimately, 6 RCT (a total of 794 samples) were included for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity test results of stone clearance rate were chi² = 2.44, df = 5, P = 0.79 > 0.05, and I² = 0%, indicating none obvious heterogeneity among the included research data. The test of WMD was Z = 2.11 (P = 0.03). It could be considered that compared with PCNL in the treatment of urinary calculi, SUL had a higher stone clearance rate in patients with urolithiasis. Secondly, heterogeneity test of operation time was chi² = 184.95, df = 5, P < 0.00001, and I² = 97%. The results of heterogeneity test of intraoperative blood loss displayed chi² = 645.47, df = 5, P < 0.00001, and I² = 99%. Then, heterogeneity test results of postoperative hospital stay existed chi² = 57.37, df = 5, P < 0.00001, and I² = 91% with an obvious heterogeneity. According to the results of this analysis, it could be considered that compared with PCNL in the treatment of urolithiasis, the operation time of SUL in the treatment of urolithiasis was longer, but the amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative hospital stay was significantly reduced. The results of heterogeneity of stress index level NE showed as chi² = 0.32, df = 2, P = 0.85 > 0.05, and I² = 0%, and COR was chi² = 1.09, df = 1, P = 0.30 > 0.05, and I² = 8%. It showed that there was no obvious heterogeneity. The heterogeneity of ACTH was chi² = 390.36, df = 2, P < 0.00001, and I² = 99%, suggesting obvious heterogeneity. The test of combined effect dose WMD was Z = 21.90, 4.50, and 15.42, (P < 0.00001). It could be considered that there was a statistical difference in the WMD of stress response between patients with urinary calculi treated by soft ureteroscope and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, indicating that the stress response of patients with urinary calculi treated with SUL is less than that of PCNL. For the heterogeneity test of serum creatinine level, NE showed chi² = 0.78, df = 2, P = 0.68 > 0.05, and I² = 0% without obvious heterogeneity, and the combined effect dose WMD is analyzed by random effect model. The test of combined effect dose WMD was Z = 4.22 (P < 0.00001). It can be considered that the improvement of serum creatinine level in patients with urolithiasis treated with SUL was better than that of PCNL. The results of heterogeneity test on the safety of operation are as follows: chi² = 13.76, df = 5, P = 0.02, and I² = 64%, indicating obvious heterogeneity among the included research data. The combined effect dose of WMD was Z = 5.53 (P < 0.00001). This could be considered that soft ureteroscopic lithotripsy had higher safety and less postoperative complications than percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of urinary calculi. An inverted funnel chart was used to analyze the publication bias of the study with stone clearance rate as the outcome index. The results showed that the figure was not completely symmetrical and the Egger's test showed that the figure was P = 0.0005 < 0.001. It was suggested that there may be a certain degree of publication bias.

Conclusion

PCNL and SUL can achieve higher stone clearance rate in the treatment of renal calculi. However, SUL has the advantages of less intraoperative bleeding, short stress reaction and postoperative hospital stay, less damage to renal function, and low incidence of complications, which is beneficial to the rapid recovery of patients after operation. More studies with higher methodological quality and longer intervention time are needed to further verify.

Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Indices in Predicting Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Outcome in Patients With Nephrolithiasis

Background

Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common renal pathologies and is routinely encountered in daily practice. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is the gold standard diagnostic imaging modality for urolithiasis. The role of HU (Hounsfield units) in calculus as a predictor of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been studied in the past. This study aims to evaluate the role of HU value and various other NCCT indices in predicting the outcome of ESWL.

Material and methods

This was a prospective observational study that included 45 patients suffering from nephrolithiasis who underwent NCCT-KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder) followed by ESWL. The NCCT indices were evaluated and correlated with the outcome of ESWL. NCCT-KUB was performed using multidetector SIEMENS® SOMATOM EMOTION 16-slice CT scanner (SIEMENS, Munich, Germany).

Results

In our study, the HU value turned out to be a statistically significant predictor of ESWL success (p <0.05), and the renal pelvis also proved to be a good prognostic indicator for ESWL success. The cut-off value of <1179 HU favored a successful outcome of ESWL, while if >1179 HU, ESWL is likely to fail. Hence, the successful outcome of ESWL is inversely proportional to the HU value. Renal pelvic calculi (n=14) showed a 100% success rate, which was better than all other calculus locations (p<0.05). However, the rest of the indices did not show any statistical significance.

Conclusion

Multi-detector NCCT-KUB indices can help in the selection of patients with a good prognosis for ESWL, which will prevent the patient from undergoing undesired invasive procedures.

The effect of stone and patient characteristics in predicting extra-corporal shock wave lithotripsy success rate: A cross sectional study

Introduction

We determine the effect of patient characteristics (age, sex, and body mass index BMI) and stone characteristics (density, location, and size) by non-contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) in predicting the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of kidney and ureteric stones. We present this study to further enrich the knowledge of physicians towards the effect of different patient characteristics upon predicting extra-corporal shock wave lithotripsy success rates.

Methods

We evaluated 155 patients who received ESWL for renal and ureteric stone measuring 3–20 mm (mm), over a 3-month period. The stone size in millimeters, density in Hounsfield units (HU) and its location was determined on pre-treatment CT-KUB. ESWL was successful if post-treatment residual renal stone fragments were ≤3 mm and for ureteric stones should be totally cleared.

Results

The overall success of ESWL treatment was observed in 65.8% of the 155 patients. There was no significant difference seen when the effect of patients age, sex and BMI were studied with ESWL outcome with P values were 0.155, 0.101 and 0.415 respectively. Also, stone location either in the kidney or ureter has no statistically significant effect on ESWL response rate. while stone density and size determined on CT KUB have statistically significant effect on the success rate of ESWL with a P-value of 0.002 and 0.000 respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that determination of stone density and stone size on CT KUB pre ESWL can help to predict the outcome of ESWL. We propose that stone density <500 HU and stone size < 5 mm are highly likely to result in successful ESWL.

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Previous studies have reported a wide variation of ESWL success rate ranging from 46% to 91%.

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Failure of ESWL results in unnecessary exposure of renal parenchyma to shock waves and complications like renal hematoma.

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Increasing Efforts have been made to determine factors that predict ESWL outcome and improve patients' selection.

Risk factors in bacterial colonization of internal ureteral stent

A ureteral stent is most broadly used to manage upper urinary tract disorders such as obstruction and prevent post-endoscopic complications. However, the stent may become a niche for bacterial colonization. This study aimed to determine the rate of bacterial colonization and type of bacteria in internal ureteral stents and the risk factors associated with bacterial colonization. This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 consecutive adult patients who had temporary ureteral stenting as preparation for a secondary ureterorenoscopy at Al-Yarmook Hospital/ Baghdad. All included patients were negative for bacterial culture before stenting. Stent and urine culture were performed at the time of stent removal. The colonization rate and bacteriuria in patients with internal ureteral stent were 19% and 9%, respectively. The most common bacteria in-stent and urine were E. coli accounting for 31.58% and 33.33%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was common in stent culture, representing 21.05%. Positive bacterial culture was confirmed in 19 stents and 9 urine samples. All cases with positive urine samples were also positive for culture. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of urine culture for detection of stent colonization were 47.37% and 100%, respectively. Diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and prolonged stenting were significantly associated with increased stent colonization. The ureteral stent could be a source of urinary tract infection. The most pathogenic bacteria associated with the ureter stent are E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Risk factors associated with stent colonization are diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and prolonged indwelling time.

The relationship between the stone-free status after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment in different patient and kidney stone characteristics: A single center experience in Saudi Arabia

Purpose:

The objective was to unveil the relationship between different relevant patient and kidney stone characteristics and the stone-free status post extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment.

Materials and methods:

Kidney stones cases referred for ESWL from October 2019 to January 2020 were collected. A total of 225 adult patients who met the criteria of being new cases of single radio-opaque kidney stones measuring 5 to 20 mm were included. We were looking for disintegrated stones down to 4 mm or less as a marker for stone-free (SF) status. The studied parameters were gender, laterality (right or left kidney), location of the stone within the kidney, stone’s density measured in Hounsfield units (HU), stone’s size, and stone-to-skin distance (SSD).

Results:

Out of the 225 cases treated, only 175 (77.8%) became SF after or during the study timeframe. SF status was achieved after the first session in 131 cases (58.2%). The bivariate analysis of the factors associated with higher SF rates found to be statistically significant were left kidney ( p-value of < 0.01), low stone density ( p-value of < 0.01), short stone–skin distance ( p-value of < 0.01), and small stone size ( p-value of < 0.01). On the other hand, gender and stone location within the kidney showed no association with ESWL outcomes.

Conclusion:

Kidney laterality, SSD, stone density, and size are influencing parameters on ESWL outcomes and achievement of stone-free status.

Factors influencing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy efficiency for optimal patient selection

Introduction

Current literature suggests various predictors related to the stone and patient, which could influence stone fragmentation and clearance rates.

Aim

To establish clinical characteristics of stone disease for patients undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) which may predict the success of the procedure.

Material and methods

One hundred and nine patients with renal stone disease diagnosed by non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) who underwent ESWL between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in the study. Endpoints: patient being stone free (SF) or when < 4 mm fragments were detected. Age, gender, location, skin-to-stone distance, maximum stone length, stone volume, stone surface area, mean stone Hounsfield units (HU) and highest HU score were explored in uni- and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Stone size revealed the highest prognostic power for ESWL failure, where OR for stone volume and stone surface area were 1.06 (1.03–1.10) and 1.04 (1.02–1.06), respectively (all p < 0.01) while a tendency was observed for skin-to-stone distance 1.02 (1.00–1.03). The amount of energy applied during the procedure to one cubic millimeter of stone volume (SMLI/stone volume) was predictive for treatment success (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.87, p < 0.01). Stone volume (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.14, p = 0.01) and stone surface area (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p = 0.02) remained as statistically significant prognostic factors for treatment failure.

Conclusions

Both greater stone volume and stone surface area, as well as lower power delivered per stone volume unit during the ESWL procedure, were found to be significant factors and could be useful to predict treatment failure.

How to maximize the efficacy of shockwave lithotripsy

Since its introduction in the early 1980s, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has proven to be a minimally invasive and efficient procedure for the management of renal calculi. It is currently one of the most recommended treatments for small- and medium-sized stones (<20 mm) in most guidelines internationally. The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak could lead to a further increase in ESWL use as it avoids a general anesthetic and its potential complications in patients with COVID-19 infection. Most publications exhibit ESWL stone-free rates (SFRs) of 70%-80%; however, this is often not the case in many centers, with multiple factors affecting the efficacy of the intervention. Various stone and patient factors have been shown to influence the ESWL success. Stone position, density and size, skin-to-stone distance, and body-mass index contribute to SFRs. Modifications in the lithotripter design and revisions in the technique have also improved the SFRs over the years, with slower shock rates, power-ramping protocols, combined real-time ultrasound, and fluoroscopy imaging technology, all enhancing the efficacy. The adjuvant use of pharmacological agents, such as alpha-blockers, potassium citrate, and the emerging microbubble technology, has also been investigated and shown promising results. Arguably, the most significant determinant of the success of ESWL in a particular unit is how the lithotripsy service is set up and monitored. Careful patient selection, dedicated personnel, and post-treatment imaging review are essential for the optimization of ESWL. Through an analysis of the published studies, this review aimed to explore the measures that contribute to an effectual lithotripsy service in depth.