Slow Shock-Waves Better For Kidney Stone Treatment
Slow, not fast, shock waves in lithotripsy yield better outcomes in kidney stone treatment, say Chinese researchers. Results were published recently online the Journal of Urology.
In a study of 206 patients undergoing lithotripsy, Chinese researchers found that the success rate of slow shock waves (60 shocks per minute) was 50.5% versus 35.9% for those receiving fast shock waves (120 shocks per minute).
While both group had similar success rate when stones where 10mm or less, patients receiving 60 shock per minute had a better success rate when stones were larger than 10mm. A marble is approximately 10mm.
Trivia: Did you know that kidney stones are more prevalent in warmer states? They are, and in the United States, there is a high-risk zone for developing them called the ‘Kidney Stone Belt.’ Although its exact location is not determined, the belt generally includes portions of Southeastern United States.
