The duration of stone removal after ESW lithotripsy is uncertain and it is possible to have ESW lithotripsy without stone removal.
The effect of lithotripsy is affected by many factors.
1. Stone factors: Uric acid and magnesium ammonium phosphate stones are low density, loose and relatively easy to break, while hydroxyphosphate, cystine and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones are difficult to break. The larger the stone, the greater the likelihood that it will require re-treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for intra-pelvic stones or stones in the upper and middle calyces of the kidney is more effective than that for stones in the lower calyces; multiple stones are less effective.
2. Patient factors: obesity is an important factor affecting the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Horseshoe kidney, ectopic kidney, transplanted kidney, severe hydronephrosis and other anatomical abnormalities of the renal collecting system and spinal deformity will affect the localization of stones and the discharge of stone fragments. If the patient is difficult to cooperate with the treatment, it will affect the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
Due to the influence of all the above factors, the specific time of stone removal and the effect of stone removal are not the same for each person after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Usually, the recommended number of times for ICP is no more than 3 to 5, and the interval between 2 consecutive ICPs should be 10 to 14 days. If the stone cannot be removed after multiple ECTs, it is recommended to consider other aggressive treatments.