上部尿路結石症の国民経済に与える影響

Abstract

The incidence of upper urinary tract stones is increasing, and it is most often seen in persons in the prime of their lives during their most productive years. It must be taken into account that surgical treatment takes them away from their jobs for long periods of time. We therefore should be careful in choosing a treatment modality for a patient. We evaluated extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), transurethral ureteroscopy (TUL) and open surgery from the viewpoint of national economy and patient amenity. ESWL offered the fewest hospital days and better amenity, though it was the most expensive. ESWL also offered the fewest days missed from work and this could minimize the loss of national economic productivity. We conclude that as a whole, ESWL is the least expensive therapy in terms of national economy compared with TUL and open surgery.