A randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of electroconductive and electrohydraulic extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

This article reports on a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of electroconductive (EC) and electrohydraulic (EH) extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treating ureter and kidney stones. The study found that both EC and EH lithotripters achieved comparable stone-free rates and complication profiles, with the EH group using significantly less energy during treatment. Although the EC group reported lower pain scores and higher patient satisfaction, it also involved greater radiation exposure due to the use of embedded ultrasound for targeting. Stone location and the total number of shocks were significant predictors of treatment success, while patient-reported outcomes such as pain and satisfaction were highlighted as important measures alongside traditional efficacy and safety metrics.