Simple radiological indicators for staghorn calculi response to ESWL.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate staghorn calculi response to ESWL using simple radiological indicators which are stone size, stone homogeneity, and stone density. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of 60 patients with staghorn calculi where the majority had ESWL. The relationship between response and size, homogeneity and density is studied. RESULTS: Single staghorn calculus less than 4 cm, heterogeneous with stone density similar to bone or a little denser than bone has best response to ESWL. CONCLUSION: ESWL is useful as first line therapy for staghorn calculi less than 4 cm, heterogeneous with similar density to bone or a little denser than bone.