Value of ultrasonography and helical computed tomography in the diagnosis of stone-free patients after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (USG and helical CT after SWL).
OBJECTIVE
To define the value of different radiologic modalities in determining the patients who believed to be stone-free after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) with plain abdominal X-ray, by evaluating the same patients with ultrasonography (USG) and helical computed tomography (CT).


METHODS
Between March 2002 and February 2003, 76 patients with urolithiazis who were treated with SWL and considered to be stone-free with plain abdominal X-ray, were evaluated with USG and helical CT. The results were compared for the accuracy of the stone-free diagnosis.


RESULTS
Residual stones were detected in 9 (11.8%) with USG and in 17 (22.3%) with CT of 76 patients who were thought to be stone-free with plain abdominal X-ray alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Although plain abdominal X-ray has been accepted as the first line diagnostic tool in the follow-up after SWL with its cheap and practical use, helical CT was found to be more valuable in diagnosis of residual stone fragments which has not been found in plain abdominal X-ray. If we take these considerations which can change our clinical approach and patient follow-up into account, we believe that the routine use of helical CT can give more accurate information in patient controls after SWL.
Küpeli
Bora
B
Department of Urology, Gazi University, School of Medicine,Beşevler, Ankara, Turkey, borakupeli@yahoo.com
Gürocak
Serhat
S
Tunç
Lütfi
L
Senocak
Cağri
C
Karaoğlan
Ustünol
U
Bozkirli
Ibrahim
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy