Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the management of urinary stones: New concepts and techniques to improve outcomes

Objective: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) currently plays an important role in the treatment of urinary tract lithiasis. The purpose of this article was to describe new concepts and procedural strategies that would improve results using SWL as a treatment for urolithiasis, thereby achieving better clinical practice.Methods: A systematic review process was carried in PubMed/PMC from January 2003 to March 2023. A narrative synthesis of the most important aspects has been made.Results: The important recommendations for the adequate selection of the candidate patient for treatment with SWL are summarized, as well as the new strategies for a better application of the technique. Aspects about intraoperative position, stone localization and monitoring, analgesic control, machine and energy settings, and measures aiming at reduced risk of complications are described.Conclusion: To achieve the therapeutic goal of efficient stone disintegration without increasing the risk of complications, it is necessary to make an adequate selection of patients and to pay special attention to several important factors in the application of treatment. Technological development in later generation devices will help to improve current SWL results.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Renalof® versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for the Treatment of Kidney Stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua

Objectives: To assess the efficiency in terms of cost-effectiveness (CE) of oral Renalof® treatment versus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua. Methods: A cost-effectiveness economic evaluation was carried out based on the results obtained in the randomised, prospective, observational, single-blind, prospective, phase 2 clinical trial. Cost-effectiveness and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Economic data were obtained from the Economics Department of Clínica Senior in Managua, Nicaragua. The monetary cost was expressed in US dollars (USD). Results: Treatment with Renalof® yielded a CE of $1,323.08/% remission, while ESWL was $9,498.54/% remission. The ICER shows that, in order to achieve a high percentage of kidney stone remission with ESWL, an extra $4,734.70 per patient must be invested. Conclusions: The use of Renalof® is shown to be a more cost-effective option than ESWL. It is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in size.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie＇s disease： an alternative treatment？

Aim： To determine retrospectively the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy （ESWT） in patients with Peyronie＇s disease. Methods： Fifty-three patients with stable Peyronie＇s disease underwent ESWT （group 1）. Fifteen patients matched with the baseline characteristic of the patients in group 1, who received no treatment, were used as the control （group 2）. The patients＇ erectile function （International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] score）, pain severity （visual analog scale）, plaque size and degree of penile angulation were assessed before and after the treatment in group 1 and during the follow-up in group 2. Results： The mean follow-up time was 32 months （range： 6-64 months） in group 1 and 35 months （range： 9-48 months） in group 2. All the patients were available for the follow-up. Considering erectile function and plaque size, no significant changes （P 〉 0.05） were observed in group 1 before or after the ESWT. A total of 39 patients （74%） reported a significant effect in pain relief in group 1 after ESWT. However, regarding improvement in pain, IIEF-5 score and plaque size, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In 21 patients （40%） of group 1, the deviation angle was decreased more than 10° with a mean reduction in all patients of 11° （range： 6-20°）. No serious complications were noted considering ESWT procedure. Conclusion： ESWT is a minimally invasive and safe alternative procedure for the treatment of Peyronie＇s disease. However, the effect of ESWT on penile pain, sexual function and plaque size remains questionable.

Clinical effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A meta analysis

Objective:To provide evidence-based evidence for the clinical use of shockwave therapy in KOA.Methods: Two researchers independently searched the randomized controlled study of shockwave therapy for KOA in the databases of CNKI、VIP、WanFang Data、 Sinomed and PubMed. Jadad rating scale was used for literature quality evaluation, and the extracted data was meta-analyzed by RevMan5.3 software.Results: A total of 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1248 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed: The clinical effective rate of shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis was reliable[RR=1.12, 95%CI(1.03, 1.20), p=0.005], and the efficacy was reliable in reducing the visual analogue scale [MD=-1.73, 95%CI(-2.31, -1.14), p<0.00001] , Lequesne osteoarthritis severity index[MD=-1.60, 95%CI(-2.55, -0.64), p<0.00001] and WOMAC[MD=-6.03, 95%CI(-9.49,-2.57) p=0.0006] of KOA patients, without serious adverse reactions.Conclusion:At present, the evidence shows that shock wave can effectively improve the pain and other related symptoms in KOA patients, and the curative effect is reliable.

Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: Combination Therapy Using LED Light, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, and an Oral Dietary Supplement

Objectives: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a significant contributor to disability in the elderly. It is also one of the most prevalent complications of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome. PN is commonly associated with pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and cramping in the feet and legs. Current treatment options are limited to controlling pain, seizures and use of antidepressant medications. These treatments have undesirable side effects and don’t stop PN progression. Here we utilized a combination of individual-specific modalities to improve local circulation and relieve PN symptoms. Methods: We conducted an open-label, multicenter pilot trial with 34 subjects (19 males and 15 females ranging from 40 - 85 years of age). All of the participants were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and had bilateral symptoms in their feet, and many reported the same symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and cramping) in their lower legs. The duration of symptoms ranged from four months to over six years. On Day 0, subjects were given a 90-day supply of the oral supplement with dosing instructions and a LED light therapy device. They also received three platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in their lower extremities. Subjects also received an extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) treatment for each foot and subsequently twice per week for the first six weeks, then once weekly for the duration of the study. Subjects filled out the Brief Pain Index (BPI) at weekly intervals. On Day 90, subjects completed the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) survey. Results: There were significant responses to pain, as evidenced by BPI scores at weeks 8, 9, 10 and 11 (p = 0.02, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.003, respectively). Analysis of the final day PGIC survey showed a favorable outcome for 73% of participants (p = 0.003), with the majority reporting Very Much Improved. Conclusions: By utilizing a multi-modality treatment protocol that includes PRP, LED light therapy, ESWT and an oral dietary supplement, we observed significant reductions in BPI scores. Quality of life and their overall impression of change (PGIC) were significantly improved, and there were no significant side effects.

Clinical Use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy(ESWT)for the Treatment of Carpus Valgus Deformities in Young Foals:A Retrospective Study of 64 Cases(2006-2009)

The purpose of this study was to report the use and assess the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of carpal joint valgus deformities (CJVDs) in young foals. Only foals with CJVDs greater than 5° were included in the study. Foals were assigned to 3 treatment groups based on their degree of CJVD measured during the initial evaluation: valgus deformity (VD) of 5° to 8.9° (Group 1), VD of 9° to 11.9° (Group 2) and VD greater than or equal to 12° (Group 3). ESWT was applied on the convex side of the angular deformity immediately following the initial radiographic evaluation. Foals were subsequently evaluated clinically and radiologically followed by treatment every 10 days until resolution of the VD, with resolution defined as a deviation less than 5 degrees. Each treatment group received specific exercise, hoof trimming and hoof/shoe extension recommendations. Sixty-four (64) foals were included in the study;ages ranged from 8 to 60 days old at inclusion in the study with a mean age of 26.7 days. Of the 28 foals included in Group 1, 10 had bilateral CJVD. There were 21 in Group 2, and 15 in Group 3. Treatment success was defined as a VD angle less than 5°, and was reached in all foals in Groups 1 and 2. Five (5) foals in Group 3 completed the study with a VD angle of 5° to 6.7° at the last radiographic assessment. No major complications were observed during the study. In conclusion, ESWT in conjunction with controlled exercise, hoof trimming and hoof/shoe extensions corrected severe CJVDs in young foals. The use of ESWT eliminates possible negative side effects of general anesthesia and surgical techniques to treat VDs. Future studies should include a control population, more severe cases, other types of angular limb deformities, and older foals.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease:an alternative treatment?

Aim:To determine retrospectively the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)in patients with Peyronie's disease.Methods:Fifty-three patients with stable Peyronie's disease underwent ESWT(group 1). Fifteen patients matched with the baseline characteristic of the patients in group 1,who received no treatment,were used as the control(group 2).The patients'erectile function(International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] score), pain severity(visual analog scale),plaque size and degree of penile angulation were assessed before and after the treatment in group 1 and during the follow-up in group 2.Results:The mean follow-up time was 32 months(range: 6-64 months)in group 1 and 35 months(range:9-48 months)in group 2.All the patients were available for the follow-up.Considering erectile function and plaque size,no significant changes(P>0.05)were observed in group 1 before or after the ESWT.A total of 39 patients(74%)reported a significant effect in pain relief in group 1 after ESWT.However.regarding improvement in pain,IIEF-5 score and plaque size,no significant differences were observed between the two groups.In 21 patients(40%)of group 1,the deviation angle was decreased more than 10° with a mean reduction in all patients of 11°(range:6-20°).No serious complications were noted considering ESWT procedure.Conclusion:ESWT is a minimally mvasive and safe alternative procedure for the treatment of Peyronie's disease.However,the effect of ESWT on penile pain,sexual function and plaque size remains questionable.

Impact of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy on vascular parameters and sexual function in patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction

Previous published studies have shown an improvement of penile hemodynamic parameters after low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy(Li-ESWT).However,the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear,and definitive selection criteria for Li-ESWT based on preexisting comorbidities have yet to be established.This was an observational study of 113 patients with ED,evaluated between January 2019 and December 2021 in Andrology Unit at the Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation,University of Foggia(Foggia,Italy).Penile dynamic Doppler was performed to evaluate vascular parameters and 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction(IIEF-5)questionnaire was administered to assess the severity of ED.This was repeated 1 month after treatment.Patients with a peak systolic velocity(PSV)<30 cm s−1 were considered eligible for Li-ESWT.Our protocol consisted of 8 weekly sessions with 1500 strokes distributed in 5 different locations along the penis.After treatment,a significant mean(±standard deviation[s.d.])PSV increase of 5.0(±3.4)cm s−1 was recorded and 52/113(46.0%)patients reached a PSV>30 cm s−1 at posttherapeutic penile dynamic Doppler.A clinically significant IIEF-5 score improvement was observed in 7 patients,21 patients,and 2 patients with mild-to-moderate,moderate,and severe pretreatment ED,respectively.No different outcomes were assessed based on smoking habits,previous pelvic surgery,or use of oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor(PDE5i).On the other side,only 1(6.7%)in 15 patients with diabetes mellitus showed an IIEF-5 score improvement after Li-ESWT.Shockwave treatment determined a significant increase in PSV and correlated IIEF-5 improvement in ED patients.This advantage seemed particularly evident for moderate ED and was not affected by smoking habits,previous pelvic surgery,and use of PDE5i.Conversely,diabetic patients did not benefit from the treatment.

Combined extracorporeal shockwave therapy and exercise for the treatment of tendinopathy:A narrative review

Tendinopathy is a chronic degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that is common in both athletes and the general population.Exercise and extracorporeal shockwave therapy(ESWT)is among the most common treatments used to mediate tendon healing and regeneration.The review presents the current understanding of mechanisms of action of ESWT and exercise in isolation and briefly synthesises evidence of their effectiveness for various tendinopathies.The central purpose of the review is to synthesize research findings investigating the combination of ESWT and exercise for five common tendinopathies(plantar heel pain,rotator cuff,lateral elbow,Achilles,and patellar tendinopathy)and provide recommendations on clinical applicability.Collectively,the available evidence indicates that ESWT combined with exercise in the form of eccentric training,tissue-specific stretching,or heavy slow resistance training are effective for specific tendinopathies and can therefore be recommended in treatment.Whilst there are at present a limited number of studies investigating combined EWST and exercise approaches,there is evidence to suggest that the combination improves outcomes in the treatment of plantar heel pain,Achilles,lateral elbow,and rotator cuff tendinopathy.However,despite overall positive outcomes in patellar tendinopathy,the combined treatment has not been shown at present to offer additional benefit over eccentric exercise alone.

Treatment of Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction with Piezowave2 Device. Application of Low Intensity Shockwaves Using Novel Linear Shockwave Tissue Coverage (LSTC-ED®) Technique. A Prospective, Multicentric, Placebo-Controlled Study

Low intensity shockwave (LiSW) treatment is known to improve revascularization. The method has been evaluated and is used to treat vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). The present study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a linear focused piezoelectric shockwave device (Richard Wolf/ELvationPiezowave2) to treat patients with vasculogenic ED using a novel linear shockwave tissue coverage LSTC-ED® technique. A total of 75 patients were treated using the Piezowave2 device and the LSTC-ED® technique. Patients’ erectile function was evaluated using the modified IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) scale at the beginning of treatment and at 1 month post treatment;patients were additionally questioned using our own Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ). The study also included a group of 50 patients treated by placebo;the outcomes of both groups were compared. The average IIEF-5 score of patients in the treatment group increased from 14.4 at baseline to 18.6 at 1 month post treatment. According to the IIEF-5 scale, treatment was successful in 81.33% of patients (61/75). According to the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (answers 1 to 3 of the TSQ), treatment was successful in 77.3% of patients (58/75). In the placebo group of 50 patients only 5 patients showed an improvement based on IIEF score, and 8 reported an improvement based on their answers to the TSQ. No significant adverse effects were observed during treatment or in the follow-up period. The Piezowave2 device and the LSTC-ED® technique proved to be suitable and effective to treat erectile dysfunction.

Efficacy of pancreatoscopy for pancreatic duct stones:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Pancreatic duct stones can lead to significant abdominal pain for patients.Per oral pancreatoscopy(POP)-guided intracorporal lithotripsy is being increasingly used for the management of main pancreatic duct calculi(PDC)in chronic pancreatitis.POP uses two techniques:Electrohydraulic lithotripsy(EHL)and laser lithotripsy(LL).Data on the safety and efficacy are limited for this procedure.We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with a primary aim to calculate the pooled technical and clinical success rates of POP.The secondary aim was to assess pooled rates of technical success,clinical success for the two individual techniques,and adverse event rates.AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of POP,EHL and LL for management of PDC in chronic pancreatitis.METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane,Google Scholar and Web of Science databases(from 1999 to October 2019)to identify studies with patient age greater than 17 and any gender that reported on outcomes of POP,EHL and LL.The primary outcome assessed involved the pooled technical success and clinical success rate of POP.The secondary outcome included the pooled technical success and clinical success rate for EHL and LL.We also assessed the pooled rate of adverse events for POP,EHL and LL including a subgroup analysis for the rate of adverse event subtypes for POP:Hemorrhage,post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(PEP),perforation,abdominal pain,fever and infections.Technical success was defined as the rate of clearing pancreatic duct stones and clinical success as the improvement in pain.Randomeffects model was used for analysis.Heterogeneity between study-specific estimates was calculated using the Cochran Q statistical test and I2 statistics.Publication bias was ascertained,qualitatively by visual inspection of funnel plot and quantitatively by the Egger test.RESULTS A total of 16 studies including 383 patients met the inclusion criteria.The technical success rate of POP was 76.4%(95%CI:65.9-84.5;I2=64%)and clinical success rate was 76.8%(95%CI:65.2-85.4;I2=66%).The technical success rate of EHL was 70.3%(95%CI:57.8-80.3;I2=36%)and clinical success rate of EHL was 66.5%(95%CI:55.2-76.2;I2=19%).The technical success rate of LL was 89.3%(95%CI:70.5-96.7;I2=70%)and clinical success rate of LL was 88.2%(95%CI:66.4-96.6;I2=77%).The incidence of pooled adverse events for POP was 14.9%(95%CI:9.2-23.2;I2=49%),for EHL was 11.2%(95%CI:5.9-20.3;I2=15%)and for LL was 13.1%(95%CI:6.3-25.4;I2=31%).Subgroup analysis of adverse events showed rates of PEP at 7%(95%CI:3.5-13.6;I2=38%),fever at 3.7%(95%CI:2-6.9;I2=0),abdominal pain at 4.7%(95%CI:2.7-7.8;I2=0),perforation at 4.3%(95%CI:2.1-8.4;I2=0),hemorrhage at 3.4%(95%CI:1.7-6.6;I2=0)and no mortality.There was evidence of publication bias based on funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test.CONCLUSION Our study highlights the high technical and clinical success rates for POP,EHL and LL.POP-guided lithotripsy could be a viable option for management of chronic pancreatitis with PDC.

Using cholecystokinin to facilitate endoscopic clearance of large common bile duct stones

AIM: To evaluate the effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the clearance of common bile duct (CBD) stones in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Effects of individual shock wave therapy vs celecoxib on hip pain caused by femoral head necrosis

BACKGROUND Celecoxib has been used to treat hip discomfort and functional difficulties associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH),although significant adverse reactions often follow long-term use.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)can delay the progression of ONFH,alleviate the pain and functional limitations it causes,and avoid the adverse effects of celecoxib.AIM To investigate the effects of individual ESWT,a treatment alternative to the use of celecoxib,in alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by ONFH.METHODS This was a randomized,controlled,double-blinded,non-inferiority trial.We examined 80 patients for eligibility in this study;8 patients were excluded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.A total of 72 subjects with ONFH were randomly assigned to group A(n=36;celecoxib+alendronate+sham-placebo shock wave)or group B(n=36;individual focused shock wave[ESWT based on magnetic resonance imaging three-dimensional(MRI-3D)reconstruction]+alendronate).The outcomes were assessed at baseline,at the end of treatment,and at an 8-wk follow-up.The primary outcome measure was treatment efficiency after 2 wk of intervention using the Harris hip score(HHS)(improvement of 10 points or more from the baseline was deemed sufficient).Secondary outcome measures were post-treatment HHS,visual analog scale(VAS),and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)scores.RESULTS After treatment,the pain treatment efficiency of group B was greater than that of group A(69%vs 51%;95%CI:4.56%to 40.56%),with non-inferiority thresholds of-4.56%and-10%,respectively.Furthermore,the HHS,WOMAC,and VAS scores in group B dramatically improved during the follow-up period as compared to those in group A(P<0.001).After therapy,the VAS and WOMAC in group A were significantly improved from the 2nd to 8th wk(P<0.001),although HHS was only significantly altered at the 2 wk point(P<0.001).On the 1st d and 2nd wk after treatment,HHS and VAS scores were different between groups,with the difference in HHS lasting until week 4.Neither group had severe complications such as skin ulcer infection or lower limb motorsensory disturbance.CONCLUSION Individual shock wave therapy(ESWT)based on MRI-3D reconstruction was not inferior to celecoxib in managing hip pain and restrictions associated with ONFH.

Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with sodium hyaluronate in treatment of knee osteoarthritis:a systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE:To assess the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy(ESWT)combined with sodium hyaluronate(HA)for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).METHODS:PubM ed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,China Science and Technology Journal Database,and SinoMed were searched from inception to July 2020.The quality of the randomized controlled trials was evaluated independently by two reviewers according to the criteria in the Cochrane Collaboration for Systematic Reviews.The identified articles were then screened individually using EndnoteX9 for eligibility in this Meta-analysis.The heterogeneity among the articles was evaluated using I2.RESULTS:A total of 17 studies,comprising 2000 individuals,were included in this Meta-analysis.The results showed that a significant improvement was observed in knee pain and function based on the clinical efficacy of ESWT combined with HA.Statistical analysis of clinical efficacy showed that[relative risk(RR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.12,1.30),P<0.01].Statistical analysis of visual analog scale showed that[standardized mean difference(SMD)=-2.84,95%CI(-4.01,-1.66),P<0.01].Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index statistical analysis showed that[SMD=-1.57,95%CI(-2.52,-0.61),P<0.01].Lysholm score statistical analysis showed that[SMD=1.71,95%CI(0.98,2.44),P<0.01].In addition,only minor side effects,such as redness and swelling of the skin,were observed.CONCLUSIONS:Medium to low quality evidence showed that ESWT combined with HA offers an inexpensive,welltolerated,safe,and effective method to improve pain and functionality in patients with KOA.However,tightly controlled,randomized,large multicenter trials are warranted to validate the current findings.

Comparison of tamsulosin with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in treating distal ureteral stones

Background Tamsulosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated effective in promoting distal ureteral stone passage and in reducing pain associated with stone expulsion. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin in comparison with nifedipine and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy （ESWL） on the expulsion rate of distal ureteral stones at different sizes. Methods We assigned 314 patients to three categories： Ⅰ, the stone with maximal diameter of 4.0-5.9 mm; Ⅱ, 6.0-7.9 mm, and Ⅲ, 8.0-9.9 mm. Patients in each category were randomly subdivided into three treatment subgroups： group A （nifedipine group）, group B （tamsulosin group）, and group C （ESWL group）. Stone-free rate and the dose of analgesics were recorded weekly during the 4-week follow-up period. Results Three hundred and three patients completed the study. The results showed that nifedipine and tamsulosin treatments promoted a small （4-8 mm, categories Ⅰ and Ⅱ） stone expulsive rate that was comparable with ESWL treatment. Nonetheless, when the stone diameter was 8.0-9.9 mm, ESWL showed a greater stone free rate than nifedipine and tamsulosin treatments; no significant difference existed between the latter two therapies. Although the ESWL treatment group required the least analgesics, tamsulosin treatments required less pain medication than nifedipine （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions Tamsulosin treatment is recommended for patients with the stone diameter smaller than 8 mm because of its feasibility, effectiveness and safety. ESWL is more appropriate than tamsulosin therapy for the patients whose stones are larger than 8 mm.

Efficacy of penile low-intensity shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction:correlation with the severity of cavernous artery disease

We analyzed the efficacy of penile low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction(ED)combined with cavernous artery disease(CAD).ED was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function,subdividing patients into mild and moderate/severe forms.CAD was assessed using penile color Doppler ultrasonography.Patients(n=111)with a positive outcome after treatment,based upon the minimal clinically important difference of the International Index of ED,were followed up for 3 months and 6 months.We found a significant mean increase in the index of erectile function,with an overall improvement in hemodynamic parameters of the cavernous artery.In particular,93.9%of the patients with mild ED without CAD responded to treatment and 72.7%resumed normal erectile function.Only 31.2%of the patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD responded to treatment,and none resumed normal erectile function.All patients with mild ED and no CAD maintained the effects of therapy after 3 months,while no patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD maintained the benefits of treatment after 3 months.Thus,patients with mild ED and no CAD have better and longer lasting responses to such treatment,with a higher probability of resuming normal erectile function than patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD.

Acupuncture may anticipate the antalgic effects of focused shockwave therapy to rotator cuff tendinopathy:A retrospective clinical study

Objective:The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the clinical effects of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy(f-ESWT)and acupuncture anticipate the clinical response in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy in the short term.Design:An observational retrospective clinical study.Setting/Location:Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit,Sant’Andrea University Hospital in Rome,Italy.Subjects/Interventions:We analyzed retrospectively thirty patients(22 females and 8 males)with rotator cuff tendinopathy.Fifteen patients underwent f-ESWT and acupuncture combined therapy(Group A)and fifteen patients underwent only f-ESWT therapy(Group B).Outcome measures:The outcome measures were the Visual Analogic Scale(VAS),Assessment Shoulder and Elbow Scale(ASES)and Roles and Maudsley Score(RMS).The follow-ups were T0(pre-treatment),T1(3 weeks after the start of the treatment),and T2(at 8 weeks).In order to compare groups,the ANOVA and Friedman tests were adopted.Group A patients had a more rapid and statistically significant improvement trend in VAS(P<0.001),ASES scale(P<0.001),and a higher level of satisfaction to treatment assessed by RMS(P<0.001)than group B in the short term.Conclusions:The study showed that combined treatment decreases the recovery time of the shoulder involved in terms of pain and motor function in the short term.However,these results shall be confirmed by controlled randomized studies.

Comparative evaluation of urolithiasis management options in patients with horseshoe kidney:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Horseshoe kidney is a rare congenital anomaly commonly complicated by urolithiasis.Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy(ESWL),ureteroscopy(URS),and percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)are treatment options for horseshoe kidney stones.The aim of this systematic review is to compare the benefits and risks of these management options.Methods:MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 2022.A total of 516 nonduplicate studies were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Studies comparing at least 2 interventions with>10 patients per intervention were included.Results:Nine retrospective observational studies published from 2007 to 2021 with a total of 565 patients were included.Reported mean±SD or mean(range)stone sizes ranged between 17.90±2.43 mm and 27.9±8.6 mm for PCNL,8.4(2-25)mm and 22.3±9.1 mm for URS,and 11.9±2.0 mm and 16.8±4.4 mm for ESWL.There was no difference in single-session and overall stone-free rate(SFR)between PCNL and URS,with a risk ratio of 1.04(95%confidence interval,0.95-1.13;I2=20.63%).Ureteroscopy had better stone clearance than ESWL,with an overall SFR risk ratio of1.38(95%confidence interval,1.04-1.82;I2=0%).There was no statistically significant difference in overall SFR between PCNL and ESWL.Most patients who underwent URS and ESWL experienced Clavien-Dindo(CD)gradeⅠ-Ⅱcomplications.Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was associated with the highest complication rates,including 5 CD gradeⅢand 3 CD gradeⅣcomplications and a mean postoperative hemoglobin drop of 0.47 to 1.83 g/dL.There were no CD grade V complications across all studies.Conclusions:There was no difference in SFR between PCNL and URS.Ureteroscopy was associated with a smaller stone burden and fewer and less severe complications.Ureteroscopy was found to be more effective than ESWL with a higher SFR and comparable safety profile.Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Is Li-ESWT effective in diabetic patients with severe erectile dysfunction?

Noninvasive low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment(Li-ESWT)has been widely used to treat erection disorders.There is no clear information regarding either the selection of patients for the treatment or the treatment protocol.In this study,we aimed to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in diabetic patients with severe erectile dysfunction(International Index of Erectile Function-5[IIEF-5]scores of 5 to 7).Sixty-three diabetes mellitus patients with erectile dysfunction having IIEF-5 scores of 5 to 7 and not showing a recovery of potency despite phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy for the past 6 months were included in the study.The patients were evaluated based on their IIEF-5 scores and Erection Hardness Scale scores.The IIEF-5 score(mean±standard deviation[s.d.])increased from 5.29±1.67 to 5.56±1.85,with a difference of 0.27±0.18(P>0.05).The Erection Hardness Scale scores(mean±s.d.),on the other hand,increased from 1.46±0.50 to 1.48±0.50,with a difference of 0.02±0(P>0.05).In conclusion,the response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors did not change after extracorporeal shockwave treatment in diabetes mellitus patients with severe erectile dysfunction(IIEF-5 scores of 5 to 7).