Cases of urinary stones have gradually increased over the past few years. Noviandrini, Birowo, and Rasyid (2015) conducted a study on urinary stone characteristics in contrast with shock wave lithotripsy therapy. The study confirmed that the condition occurs more in males than the females, with an incidence ratio of 2:1. The study further notes that the use of lithotripsy, which involves the use of ultrasound to disintegrate the stones into tiny fragments that can be expelled by the body, depends a lot on the characteristics of the stone. Notable features are size, composition, consistency and elimination process after the treatment. This has led to some patients requiring more than one lithotripsy therapy to mitigate the urinary stones.
According to the study, stones made of calcium oxalate dihydrate are more comfortable to break as compared to those made of uric acid. Looking into Andrew’s case, his stone has a calcium component, therefore has more potential to benefit from lithotripsy as compared to if his stone was uric acid in nature. Once successfully done, there is a reduced possibility of a relapse of the condition, provided Andrew changes his lifestyle to prevent exposure to risk factors of urinary stones.
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Hilton (2016) compounds the initial study’s findings in that the composition of the stone is a factor to consider when assessing a client’s liability for shock wave lithotripsy. He says that stones with lower density can be quickly cleared off by the technique. He, however, notes that not all calcium stones can be cleared using the method. Stones with calcium oxalate monohydrate are hard to remove as compared to the dihydrates. It is, therefore, crucial for medical practitioners to accurately assess the stone before subjecting the patient to the therapy.
References
Hilton, L. (2016). Shock wave lithotripsy: Down but not out: Page 4 of 7 . Retrieved from https://www.urologytimes.com/modern-medicine-feature-articles/shock-wave-lithotripsy- down-not-out/page/0/3
Noviandrini, E., Birowo, P., & Rasyid, N. (2015). Urinary stone characteristics of patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta, 2008–2014: a gender analysis. Medical Journal of Indonesia , 24 (4), 234-8.
