title: Limitations of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for lower caliceal stones: anatomic insight.
abstract: In addition to gravity-dependent position, we suppose that other particular anatomic features may be important in the retention of stone debris in lower calices after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). We analyzed the inferior-pole collecting system anatomy in 146 three-dimensional polyester resin corrosion endocasts of the pelviocaliceal system. In 74% of the cases, there was an angle of greater than 90 degrees formed between the lower infundibulum and the renal pelvis, and in 26%, the angle was 90 degrees or less. In 60%, there was a lower infundibulum 4 mm or larger in diameter. The inferior pole was drained by multiple calices disposed in two rows in 57% of the cases and by one midline caliceal infundibulum in 43%. We believe that the physician must appreciate these anatomic features when considering SWL to treat calculi located in lower calices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Aragao
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D016319:Corrosion Casting; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D007670:Kidney Calices / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture