PROPHYLACTIC ROLE OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NEPHROCALCINOSIS

Electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave llithotripsy (ESWL) was perf ormed with a standard Siemens Lithostar on parenchymal calcifications in 10 medullary sponge kidneys in order to evaluate the eventual benef it of preventive lithotripsy. The results of shock wave lithotripsy on precaliceal calcifications were disappointing and have been related t o the lack of expansion during shock wave interaction and to the impai red drainage of particles. Three patients also had large impacted uret eric stones and in such cases ESWL remains the treatment of choice.