Role of Patient Age and Stone Density in Predicting Outcomes of Shockwave Lithotripsy in Lower Ureteral Stones

BACKGROUND: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is an important tool for treating ureteral stones, especially when ureteroscoy (URS) is not readily available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with the success of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in the treatment of lower ureteral stones. METHODS: Total of 105 consecutive patients with single lower ureteral stones treated with SWL between January 2021 and February 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and stone parameters including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), stone length, and stone density were analyzed. SWL procedures were done using electro-conductive lithotripter Sonolith i‐sys (EDAP TMS, Vaulx‐en‐Velin, France). We evaluated available clinical and radiologic features that might have been related to successful SWL treatment. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in 67/105 patients (63.8%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a successful outcome was significantly related to mean stone density (MSD) (95% CI: 1.004- 1.009) and the patients age (95% CI: 1.022- 1.13). Gender, BMI, and stone length were not an independent predicting factors. CONCLUSION: Stone density and patient age were independent predictors of successful outcome after two SWLs in the lower ureter. However, gender, BMI, and stone length did not independently predict treatment success.