Determining the Predictive Factors Associated with the Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Upper Tract Urolithiasis

The purpose of the study is to assess the variables that can affect the success of ESWL in Indian patients with upper urinary tract calculi. 300 adult patients who had ESWL for renal and upper ureteral calculi measuring 5 to 20 mm were enrolled in the study program between 2018 and 2020. Urolithiasis is a common condition, and it accounts for a large number of hospital visits. It is frequently preventable by modification of risk factors and has numerous treatment options. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), one of the therapeutic options for renal and upper ureteric calculus, relies on a number of variables. Patients with >2 calculi, the presence of distal ureteric obstruction and renal anomalies were excluded. The clinical outcome of ESWL was assessed by factors like site, size, location and density. After statistical analysis, a p-value
0.05 was taken as the level of significance. The overall success rate was 79.3%. While there was no statistically significant correlation observed with the quantity and distribution of the calculi, there was a statistically significant correlation between the size, density, and presence of stents and the clearance rate. In patients with renal and upper ureter calculi that are less than 10 mm in size and less than 1000 HU in density, ESWL should be thought of as the primary therapeutic option. Before deciding on a course of therapy, it is crucial to take into account variables such stone size, density, and placement.