The destruction of renal calculi by external shock-waves: practical operation and initial results with the Dornier lithotripter.

ESWL is now the treatment of choice for most renal calculi. Large stones (20 mm) and staghorn stones may require preliminary debulking before lithotripsy and stones in the lower part of the ureter require pushing back into the renal pelvis before treatment. Compared with open surgery and percutaneous nephrolithotomy the procedure is less traumatic for the patient and may result in a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life for the patient. It has been estimated that in 10 to 20 years' time around 70% of patients with urinary stone disease will be treated by ESWL.