Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Abstract

Ultrasound has many desirable characteristics for imaging of renal calculi during shock wave lithotripsy. Ultrasound can localize radiolucent stones, monitor fragmentation in real time, and differentiate the stone from a stent. Its use significantly reduces radiation exposure to patient and operator, which is particularly desirable in the pediatric patient. Furthermore, sonography-guided lithotripsy can reveal other pathology in the affected kidney that may require further evaluation. Experience with ultrasound-guided lithotripsy familiarizes the operator with this increasingly useful imaging method. The ultrasound-guided Sonolith 3000 with its enlarged ellipsoid aperture has a smaller energy focus and decreased voltage, permitting fragmentation with reduced anesthesia requirements.