Can extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy be used for kidney stones?

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the first choice for patients with kidney stones <2 cm in size and severe infection. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the first choice for patients with kidney stones with a maximum diameter of 10 days, and if there is no change in the stones after more than 4 consecutive lithotripsy sessions in the same part of the kidney unilaterally, it is recommended to choose another treatment. If further repeated lithotripsy is performed, there is a risk of kidney fibrosis and renal failure. Moreover, patients with severe infections who are overly obese and who weigh >100 kg or more and have a tendency to bleed are not suitable for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Otherwise, there is a risk of infection dissemination or excessive fat blocking the energy of lithotripsy, leading to poorer lithotripsy results.