<b>Slow Shock-Waves Better For Kidney Stone Treatment</b>

Slow, not fast, shock waves in lithotripsy yield better outcomes in kidney stone treatment, say Chinese researchers. Results were published recently online the <i>Journal of Urology</i>.

In a study of 206 patients undergoing lithotripsy, Chinese researchers found that the success rate of slow shock waves (60 shocks per minute) was 50.5% versus 35.9% for those receiving fast shock waves (120 shocks per minute).

While both group had similar success rate when stones where 10mm or less, patients receiving 60 shock per minute had a better success rate when stones were larger than 10mm.  A marble is approximately 10mm.

Trivia: Did you know that kidney stones are more prevalent in warmer states? They are, and in the United States, there is a high-risk zone for developing them called the ‘Kidney Stone Belt.’ Although its exact location is not determined, the belt generally includes portions of Southeastern United States.