Comparison of clinical outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in patients with radiopaque v radiolucent ureteral calculi.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in patients with radiopaque and radiolucent ureteral calculi. Patients and Methods: Between September 2001 and August 2002, a total of 113 consecutive patients with ureteral calculi (58 radiopaque [Group 1], 55 radiolucent [Group 2]) were treated with a Multimed 2001™ lithotripter under fluoroscopic monitoring. Localization of radiolucent stones was achieved after a bolus injection of contrast medium 1 mL/kg, the shockwaves being focused just below the end of contrast column. All patients were treated on an outpatient basis under analgesia and light sedation if required. The mean follow-up was 14 (range 6-23) months. Patients were reevaluated by some combination of plain films, ultrasound scanning, and intravenous urography 3 months after the treatment. Groups were compared with ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. A P value <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: There were no statistically significant differences...