title: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children.
abstract: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has proved to be an effective method of treating upper urinary tract calculi. We report on 14 patients 17 years old or younger who were treated with the Dornier lithotriptor. Special adjustments of the gantry and water level, as well as shielding of the lungs, were necessary in those children less than 135 cm. in height or 30 kg. in weight. Hospital stay averaged 2.5 days and ranged from 1 to 6 days. There were no major intraoperative complications. Postoperative pulmonary edema developed in 1 patient and only 3 required parenteral analgesics for postoperative pain control. Of the 12 patients for whom a 3-month followup is available 10 are free of stone. One patient required ureterolithotomy for removal of impacted stone fragments. We conclude that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a safe and effective method of treating renal calculi in children.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008168:Lung; D008297:Male; D011482:Protective Devices; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000628:therapy*