The Future of SWL: A Global Perspective

The future relevance of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) to the treatment of urinary stones has been questioned by some. This paper reviews recent developments with an aim to predict the level of usefulness of SWL for the future. The incidence of urolithiasis is increasing throughout the world, and existing metaphylaxis is not widely effective. This results in an increasing need for active stone removal. SWL was and is a well established treatment modality for urolithiasis in the upper urinary tract. For most stone situations there will remain a reasonable choice between SWL versus endoscopic procedures, and it is unlikely that endoscopic procedures will displace SWL completely in general practice. In conclusion, SWL will continue to play an established, if slightly reduced, role in stone treatment in the future.