The Effect of Newer Generation Lithotripsy Upon Renal Function Assessed by Nuclear Scintigraphy

Purpose: We studied the effect of second generation lithotripsy on renal function. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 42 patients with unilateral renal calculi by nuclear renography, serum creatinine levels, renal ultrasonography and plain radiographs. Results: There was no significant change in glomerular filtration rate at 1 or 3 months. Split function of the treated kidneys was lower at 1 month (mean 47.2 percent, p = 0.01) and 3 months (47.3 percent, p = 0.01) than before treatment (49.1 percent). A greater than 5 percent decrease in split function of the treated kidney occurred at 1 month in 6 patients (16.2 percent) and at 3 months in 3. Of the patients 23 (62.2 percent) were stone-free and 11 had residual fragments less than 4 mm., with a 19 percent retreatment rate for an overall success rate of 91.9 percent. Conclusions: Newer generation lithotriptors may limit renal damage while permitting satisfactory treatment of renal calculi.