A recent study conducted by UW Medicine researchers found that using a handheld ultrasound device to nudge kidney stone fragments in patients resulted in a 70% lower risk of recurrence. The study, published in the Journal of Urology, showed that as many as 50% of patients who have kidney stones surgically removed still have small fragments remaining in their kidneys, which can lead to further operations in the future. By using this noninvasive ultrasound treatment to encourage the fragments to clear from the kidneys, patients were able to avoid future surgeries.
The randomized and controlled trial, conducted over almost a decade, included 82 participants with persistent kidney stone fragments. Nearly half of the participants received the ultrasound treatment, while the other half acted as the control group. Doctors used a wand that generated ultrasonic pulses to move the fragments closer to the ureter, where they could be naturally expelled. This procedure, known as burst wave lithotripsy, has been developed over the course of 15 years by Dr. Jonathan Harper and Dr. Mathew Sorensen. It has shown success in not only moving fragments but also breaking down larger stones into smaller pieces.
The potential of this technology to revolutionize kidney stone treatment is significant. Harper envisions it becoming as routine as getting one’s teeth cleaned, with patients able to schedule a quick office appointment to clear out small stones and prevent future problems. The ultrasound device used in this study is being commercialized by a company called SonoMotion, and Harper is hopeful that both the pushing and breaking technologies will become widely adopted in clinical practice. With the support of grants from the National Institutes of Health and resources from the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, this innovative approach to managing kidney stones shows promise in improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
The study highlights the benefits of using ultrasound technology to address the common issue of kidney stone fragments following surgical removal. By helping to clear out these fragments, patients can avoid the need for further operations and reduce their risk of recurrence. This noninvasive approach provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering patients a more convenient and less invasive option for managing their kidney stones. With continued research and development, ultrasound technology could play a key role in transforming the way kidney stones are treated in the future.
The success of the ultrasound treatment in reducing the risk of kidney stone recurrence demonstrates the potential of this technology to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. By effectively clearing out fragments that can lead to future problems, this noninvasive approach offers a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional treatments. With ongoing research and development, ultrasound devices like the one used in this study have the potential to become a standard part of kidney stone treatment, offering patients a convenient and effective way to manage their condition and reduce their risk of future surgeries.
Overall, the study findings suggest that using a handheld ultrasound device to nudge kidney stone fragments can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and the need for further surgeries. This innovative approach, developed over several years by UW Medicine researchers, offers a safe, noninvasive, and effective alternative to traditional treatments for kidney stones. With the potential to revolutionize kidney stone treatment, ultrasound technology could become a routine part of managing this common condition, offering patients a more convenient and efficient way to address their kidney stone fragments and prevent future problems.
