The effects of shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery on renal function

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the early effects of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) on renal function using the cystatin C levels.

Material and methods: Serum samples were taken from each of the patients preoperatively, on the first postoperative day, and on the 30th postoperative day in order to evaluate the renal damage. The cystatin C level was determined using a particle-enhanced turbid metric immunoassay with a clinical chemistry analyzer.

Results: In the comparison between the preoperative and postoperative cystatin C levels on day 1, there was an increase in the SWL group (p = .001); however, the decrease in the RIRS group was statistically significant (p = .007). There were statistically significant differences in the cystatin C levels on the first postoperative day in both groups (p = .001). In the SWL group, there was a statistically significant increase between the preoperative and the 30th postoperative day cystatin C levels (p = .006), but no differences were found between these levels in the RIRS group or between the two groups (p = .255).

Conclusions: RIRS may be the preferred procedure for patients who need more renal function protection when treating renal stones <2 cm.