Comparing Wide and Narrow Focus in Shockwave Lithotripsy for Kidney Stones
Author Information
Author(s): Anna J. Sharp, Catherine E. Lovegrove, Roshan Sreekumar, Mandy Spencer, Benjamin W. Turney, Sarah A. Howles
Primary Institution: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Hypothesis
Does wide focus shockwave lithotripsy offer better stone clearance and fewer complications than narrow focus?
Conclusion
There are no significant differences in treatment success rates or complications between wide and narrow focus shockwave lithotripsy.
Supporting Evidence
- Complete stone clearance was achieved in 55% of wide focus patients compared to 41% of narrow focus patients.
- Treatment success was reported in 74% of wide focus cases versus 66% of narrow focus cases.
- No significant differences in complications or re-presentation rates were found between the two groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at two types of shockwave treatments for kidney stones and found that one type didn't work better than the other.
Methodology
Patients were matched by stone size, location, and number of treatments, and outcomes were compared using statistical tests.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the retrospective nature of the study and incomplete data on factors affecting outcomes.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and did not match pairs for gender, age, or stone laterality.
Participant Demographics
Patients over 18 years old with renal or ureteric stones treated at a single center.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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