Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Is sessional access worthwhile?
One hundred and fifty-three patients with renal stones referred to one teaching hospital have received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment as a result of a monthly sessional arrangement organised with a neighbouring lithotripter unit. The results of treatment, assessed 3 months after lithotripsy, showed results comparable with those from any lithotripter centre. Sessional access for lithotripsy may provide a satisfactory way of increasing the number of patients who are treated with lithotripsy by reducing the demand for beds at the hospitals where a lithotripter is sited.
Department of Urology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
J W
JW
Ramsay
R A
RA
Miller
J A
JA
Whiteway
H N
HN
Whitfield
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D003284:Contract Services; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation