Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in the Management of Urolithiasis: A Single-Centre Experience

Background: Urolithiasis is one of the oldest diseases known to humankind and remains a common cause of morbidity worldwide. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a rst-line, minimally invasive treatment for urinary stones <2 cm in diameter. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting the efcacy of ESWL. The secondary objective was to analyze risk factors for early and delayed complications and to compare our outcomes with published literature. Methods: This was a retrospective study including 200 patients who underwent ESWL for renal or ureteric calculi at Al-Khor Hospital, Qatar, between January 2018 and December 2019. Patients with pediatric age, structural urinary tract deformities, or incomplete data were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and stonerelated variables were recorded. Outcomes were analyzed in terms of stone-free rates and complication patterns. Results: The overall stone-free rate was 69%. Success was higher in females (73.7%) compared with males (64.6%). The highest clearance rates were seen in ureteral (94.1%) and pelviureteric junction stones (90.5%), while lower pole stones had lower clearance (21.7%). Smaller stones (5–10 mm) had better outcomes (78.1%) compared with larger stones (21–25 mm: 30.0%). Patients presenting with renal colic had higher success rates (84.2%) than asymptomatic cases (61.3%). Post-ESWL complications included minor hematuria and transient ank pain; no major complications were recorded. Conclusion: ESWL remains a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for renal and ureteric stones <2 cm. Stone location, size, and initial clinical presentation signicantly inuence treatment success. Our ndings align with international series, supporting ESWL as a primary option in selected patients.