Histomorphologic Changes in Rat Testicles after Exposure to High-Energy Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Treatment with extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) produces changes in renal tissue comparable to damage seen after renal trauma. The management of lower ureteral and bladder calculi by SWL may lead to testicular shock wave exposure, but little is known about side effects on the reproductive organs. In 32 male Wistar rats, the right testicle was exposed to a fixed number of shock waves (Wolf Piezolith 2300) with varied energy doses. Histomorphologic examination of the testicles was performed 24 hours (N = 16) and 3 months (N = 16) after shock wave exposure and compared with the findings in untreated animals (N = 16). The extent of damaged tubules in the right testicle was energy dependent and ranged from 18 % to 52 %. After 3 months, a reduced mean tubular diameter as a sign of chronic tissue damage was observed only in testicles that had received maximum energy doses. No differences in acute or persistent tissue damage were seen between testicles of the untreated control group and the indirectly exposed contralateral testicles of the treatment groups.