Characteristics and Treatment of Steinstrasse after ESWL

Kim, Hyeon Hoe; Byeon, Seok Soo; Lee, Jin Haeng; Lee, Sang Kun; Kim, Si Whang

Abstract

To evaluate the predisposing factors and characteristics of the steinstrasse after ESWL and to suggest the proper management of it, we analyzed 1,144 urolithiasis patients who were managed by ESWL with the second generation lithotripter, Siemens Lithostar, at Seoul National University Hospital from March 1989 to October 1995. Steinstrasse developed in 72 patients with the incidence of 6.3% after ESWL. As the risk factor for developing steinstrasse after ESWL, stone size and volume significantly influenced the development of steinstrasse (p<0.01, by student t-test), and multiple stones induced steinstrasse more frequently than single stones (p<0.05, by chi-square test). Stones located at renal pelvis induced more steinstrasse after ESWL than calyceal stones or ureter stones t<0.05, by chi-square test). Clinically, 61.1% of the patients who developed steinstrasse didn't have any symptoms or upper tract changes. Nineteen steinstrasse (26.4%) were resolved spontaneously without any intervention, with the median duration of 12 days after detection of the steinstrasse. In 51 steinstrasse which was not resolved spontaneously or with severe symptoms, ESWL was performed resulting in successful resolution in 94.1% of the patients. These results suggest that expectancy could be the first line strategy of the management of steinstrasse, and repeated ESWL could be recommended for patients refractory to expectancy and patients with severe symptoms.