Evaluation of effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy on renal vasculature with Doppler ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: In this prospective study, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) on renal blood flow in patients treated for renal/ ureteral stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 41 patients (26 males, 15 females, aged between 18-63 years, mean age 45 years), 23 with renal and 18 with ureteral stones, who underwent ESWL between March 2010 and January 2011. Colour Doppler ultrasonography and pulsed wave spectral analysis was performed before, 1 hour, and 7 days after ESWL to both ipsilateral and contralateral kidneys in order to measure resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and acceleration time (AT) values. RESULTS: One hour after ESWL, RI and PI values showed significant increase from pre-ESWL values in both ipsilateral and contralateral kidneys. However, no significant change was found in AT values. Seven days after ESWL, PI in both ipsilateral and contralateral kidneys and RI in contralateral kidney returned to pre-ESWL values. But, 7 days after ESWL, RI in the ipsilateral kidney did not return to pre-ESWL values, although decrease in RI values were observed. CONCLUSION: Spectral Doppler analysis can provide valuable information as a non-invasive method to assess the hemodynamic changes and renal microcirculation status in cases managed with ESWL.