In a nutshell
This study researched the effectiveness of ultrasound to guide treatment of kidney stones. Researchers concluded that ultrasound-guided treatment was similar in effectiveness and outcomes to the standard-of-care using X-ray imaging.
Some background
Kidney stones are a common health problem that can cause severe pain and affect quality of life. To date, the use of X-ray images is the most common method to guide the surgical removal of kidney stones. However, this has side effects such as radiation exposure. Ultrasound may be as effective with fewer side effects.
Methods & findings
86 patients were included in the study. 43 patients underwent ultrasound-guided surgery. 43 underwent X-ray-guided surgery. The study measured kidney stone removal rates, complications and side effects of each technique.
The ultrasound-guided surgery had a stone-free rate of 79.1%. It was similar for the X-ray-guided surgery (69.8%).
The procedure times were also similar between the two procedures. It was 108.4 minutes for ultrasound-guided and 113.2 minutes for X-ray-guided surgery. Average days spent in hospital were 2.7 (ultrasound-guided surgery) and 3.1 (X-ray-guided surgery).
No significant differences in side effects or complications were observed between the two groups.
The bottom line
The study concluded that there were no significant differences between ultrasound-guided surgery and X-ray-guided surgery.
The fine print
Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Dec 01, 2017
