Double J stent reduces the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of lumbar ureteral stones.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the effect of the presence of a double J stent on the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of lumbar ureteral stones.


METHODS
Between January 2007 and February 2012, we performed a retrospective cohort study. Forty-four patients were treated by ESWL for lumbar ureteral stones and included into two groups for the analysis: group 1, non-stented (n = 27) and group 2, stented patients (n = 17). Treatment efficacy was evaluated by abdominal X-ray or CT-scan at 1 month. Stone-free patients and those with a residual stone ≤4 mm were considered to be cured.


RESULTS
Mean stone size and density in groups 1 and 2 were 8.2mm/831HU, and 9.7 mm/986HU respectively. Both groups were comparable for age, BMI, stone size and density, number, and power of ESWL shots given. The success rates in groups 1 and 2 where 81.5% and 47.1%, respectively (p = 0.017). There was no difference between the groups for stones measuring 8 mm or less (p = 0.574). For stones >8 mm, the success rates were respectively 76% and 22.2% for groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.030). Logistic regression analysis revealed a higher failure rate when a double J stent was associated with a stone >8 mm (p = 0.033).


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of a double J stent affects the efficacy of ESWL in the treatment of lumbar ureteral stones. This effect is significant for stones >8 mm. Ureteroscopy should be considered as the first-line treatment in such patients.
Department of Urology, University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Caroline
C
Pettenati
Department of Urology, University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Amine Benchikh
AB
El Fegoun
Department of Urology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Vincent
V
Hupertan
Department of Urology, University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Sébastien
S
Dominique
Department of Urology, University Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Vincent
V
Ravery
double J stent; lumbar; shock wave lithotripsy; ureteral stone