Purpose: Changes in intrarenal vascular resistance after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*) were studied with Doppler ultrasound techniques.
Materials and methods: In 76 patients the resistive index was measured at an interlobar artery before and after ESWL in the treated and contralateral kidneys. The resistive index levels were compared to N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase levels in 40 patients.
Results: We found an age-related positive linear correlation between post-therapeutic resistive index increases and patient age. N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase levels were also elevated after ESWL but these elevations were not age-related.
Conclusions: Elderly patients have a higher risk of post-ESWL renal tissue damage.