Is high diuresis an important prerequisite for successful SWL-disintegration of ureteral stones?

A randomised comparison was made between high and normal diuresis during the primary session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for removal of ureteral stones. High diuresis was accomplished by pressure infusion of approximately 1 L of Ringer acetate solution together with 20 mg of furosemide during the 30–40 min treatment session (Group D). These patients also had a bladder catheter. Patients in Group 0 had a normal diuresis and no bladder catheter. The mean (SD) number of treatment sessions for the 65 patients in Group D were 1.26 (0.51) and for the 60 patients from Group 0 1.35 (0.84) [p > 0.10]. 51 (78%) and 46 (77%) patients in Group D and Group 0, respectively, required only one SWL session. Stones were located in the proximal, mid and distal ureter in 22, 9, and 29 of the patients in Group D and in 22, 5, and 38 in Group 0. No difference in treatment outcome was observed with regard to stone localisation. The stone treatment index (STI_GR) calculated for Group D and Group 0 were 4.77 and 4.70, respectively. In conclusion there was no obvious advantage of using a forced diuresis during the primary SWL-session for treating patients with ureteral stones. Although a high diuresis and bladder catheter might be beneficial in certain complicated cases, in most situations it seems appropriate to omit this step.