Predictors of success in shock wave lithotripsy of renal and ureteral stones.

In many centers, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a commonly used modality for the treatment of both renal and ureteral calculi. It is non-invasive, may be performed using minimal anesthesia, and has a high level of patient acceptance. The focus of the present review is to highlight patient and stone characteristics which affect the outcomes of SWL, in order to define which patients are proper candidates for this treatment.