Optimal frequency of shock wave lithotripsy in urolithiasis treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Abstract

PURPOSE: The optimal frequency of shock wave lithotripsy in urolithiasis treatment has not been well decided.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was performed and all randomized controlled trials including articles and meeting abstracts that compared the effects of different frequencies (120, 90 and 60 shock waves per minute [SWs/min]) of ESWL were included. The review process followed the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS: Nine RCTs including 1572 cases were identified. Overall success rates and success rates for large stones (>10mm) were significantly lower in the 120 versus 60 (p< 0.001 and p=0.002, respectively), and in the 120 versus 90 (p< 0.001 and p=0.02, respectively) SWs/min groups, but similar between 90 and 60 SWs/min groups. Duration was significantly lower in the 120 versus 60, 120 versus 90, and 90 versus 60 SWs/min groups (all p< 0.001). Success rates for small stones (< 10mm), complication rates, and total shock waves had no significant difference among three groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Slowing frequency from 120 to 60 SWs/minute increased the overall success rates. While the duration of 60 SWs/minute was prominently greater, 90 SWs/minute seemed to be an optimal frequency, especially for large stones. 120 SWs/minute might still be recommended for small stones.

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Written by:
Li K, Lin T, Zhang C, Fan X, Xu K, Bi L, Han J, Huang H, Liu H, Dong W, Duan Y, Yu M, Huang J.   Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Reference: J Urol. 2013 Mar 25. pii: S0022-5347(13)03866-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.03.075


PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23538240

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