Comparing supine and prone positions for treating distal ureteric stones with shockwave therapy

Randomized Controlled Study on Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Distal Ureteric Stone: Transgluteal Versus Traditional Prone Approach

Not applicable Interventional Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong · NCT02298465

This study is testing whether lying on your back or stomach during shockwave therapy can help adults with kidney stones get rid of them more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT02298465 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treating distal ureteric stones in two different positions: supine and prone. The study aims to determine if the supine position can improve the stone-free rate compared to the traditional prone position, especially for patients who may have difficulty lying prone due to medical conditions. Participants will be adults over 18 years with stones sized 3mm or larger, and the study will monitor for any complications or side effects associated with each position. The trial is conducted at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years with distal ureteric stones of size 3mm or larger who are seeking ESWL treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as active urinary tract infections, uncontrolled hypertension, or those unable to assume the required positions for ESWL may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with distal ureteric stones who cannot tolerate the prone position.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with the supine approach, indicating improved outcomes compared to the prone position, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients, over 18 years of age, with distal ureteric stones with stone size of ≥3mm on kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) X-ray who opted for ESWL treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are unable to provide consent
* radiolucent stones
* active urinary tract infections
* pregnancy
* uncontrolled hypertension
* uncontrolled bleeding tendencies
* severe skeletal malformations
* arterial aneurysms within the vicinity of the stone (such as iliac artery aneurysms)
* unable to assume the appropriate position (prone or supine) for ESWL
* solitary kidneys
* transplanted kidneys
* presence of ureteric stents

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Urinary Tract StonesUrinary StonesUrinary CalculiESWLdistal ureteric stonetransglutealsupine ESWL
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.