Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: evolution, indications, contraindications and complications

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy has proved to be an effective, safe and minimally invasive method oftreatment of urolithiasis for four decades. Despite the rapid improvement of endourological equipment, ESWLis still relevant today and is considered to be the main treatment method for urolithiasis in many guidelines.In search of more in-depth information about the history of this method, clinical application, limitations andpossible complications, we analyzed such foreign sources as PubMed, Embase, Medline, e-library. Accordingto the data obtained, it was found that numerous factors related to the patient and the technique influencethe success of treatment. The distance from the skin to the stone, stone density and composition, size andlocation of the stone in the urinary system all affect the frequency of “stone-free”. A slower speed with a gradualincrease in tension, precise pointing, and proper connection help to improve stone fragmentation and reducethe risk of complications.

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