[Practical aspects of application of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with urolithiasis].

The article presents own author's principles of application of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which was formulated on the basis of 15 years experience of use of this method for the treatment of urolithiasis. The basis of the principles includes priority of ultrasound guidance and tracking during ESWL, waiving of general anesthesia during this intervention, and the maximum use of low energy levels for stone fragmentation. Results of treatment of 381 patients who underwent this intervention at the hospital for the last 15 months are presented. The findings suggest comparable efficacy of ESWL for the treatment of urolithiasis, reducing radiation exposure to the patient, reducing the risk of complications from anesthesia and traumatic kidney damage during ESWL in accordance with the present principles.