Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Lower-Pole Nephrolithiasis

This chapter summarizes the results of the Lower Pole Study I study in which patients with symptomatic lower pole renal calculi were randomized to receive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The study found that patients receiving ESWL had lower stone-clearance rates and a more frequent need for retreatment but lower morbidity, whereas those receiving PCNL had higher stone-clearance rate and fewer retreatments but greater morbidity.