Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the only non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. It does not require an operating room, anesthesia, or hospital stay. Its role evolved over the years and nowadays ESWL is slowly disappearing from many stone centers and urologic departments. We present the history and the role of ESWL treatment since its birth in 1959 and its development through the following years. We also present details of its application and impact on the first Italian stone center in 1985. ESWL has had different roles over the centuries: in the early years it was a great alternative to open surgery and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL), then it had its decline with the introduction of the miniscopes. Currently, although ESWL is not considered a treatment of excellence, newer models are emerging. With the application of new technologies and artificial intelligence, this technique can become a good option alongside endourologic treatments.
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2023 Feb 25*** epublish ***
Rafaela Malinaric, Guglielmo Mantica, Mariano Martini, Federica Balzarini, Federico Mariano, Giovanni Marchi, Piero Tognoni, Daniele Panarello, Paolo Bottino, Carlo Terrone
IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy., Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy.