Time to lithotripsy is strongly associated with SFR followingSWL. SWL in an urgent care setting does not improveSFR if it is performed within 1 month, while time toSWL > 2 months reduces the likelihood of stone-free status.
The purpose of this article is to emphasize some important aspects on how SWL best should be used. Based on decades of experience, it stands to reason that success with SWL does not come automatically and attention has to be paid to all details of this technique.
In conclusion, ESWL has been used by urologists as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated urinary calculi in very elderly patients. Despite changes associated with aging, and the high prevalence of comorbidities, this procedure seems to be safe and well tolerated in elderly people.