To analyze the efficacy and complication rates of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy in children.

Between 1987 and 1994, 8760 patients with urinary calculi were treated at our institution. A total of 70 (0.8%) children 3 to 14 years old underwent lithotripsy using the Siemens Lithostar or the Lithostar Plus. A total of 100 calculi in 74 urinary tracts were treated, requiring 129 extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy sessions. There were 47 caliceal stones, 31 in the renal pelvis, 16 in the ureter, and 6 staghorn stones. The Lithostar Plus was used in 8 patients, for 3 caliceal, 3 pelvic, and 2 staghorn stones. Follow-up consisted of nephrotomogram or ultrasound 1 day and 1 to 3 months postoperatively.

Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 98.5% of the patients after 3 months. Re-treatment was necessary in 20 patients (29.4%). All patients were treated as outpatients, 51 (72.9%) with intravenous sedation and 19 (27.1 %) without anesthesia. Complications were present in 7 patients (10%) who had colic and received medical treatment, and convalescence was uneventful.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy using the Lithostar and the Lithostar Plus has been demonstrated to be an effective noninvasive procedure to treat radiopaque and even radiolucent or slightly opaque urinary calculi in children.