Author's Response to “Re: Immediate Shockwave Lithotripsy vs Delayed Shockwave Lithotripsy After Urgent Ureteral Stenting in Patients with Ureteral or Pyeloureteral Urolithiasis: A Matched-Pair Analysis” by Rizzo et al.

We thank Dr. Rizzo and colleagues for their interest in our article, ¹ as well as for important suggestions about the possible impact of urgent shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) during the current COVID-19 pandemic. At most hospitals, existing resources especially those of the colleagues in anesthesia had to be bundled to ensure adequate treatment of the partially seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Elective interventions had to be postponed and surgical capacities had to be reduced significantly. ² Given the importance of anesthesia capacities during global health threats like the COVID-19 pandemic, SWL treatment under sedoanalgesia could save these capacities. Furthermore, the authors highlighted other potentially important points like a reduction of multiple admissions to the emergency department or reduced risk for stone impaction due to a rapid treatment pathway. We expressly encourage further research in this direction to clarify the possible role of SWL treatment especially during global health threats like the COVID-19 pandemic. First, to ensure the best possible treatment for both COVID-19- and urological patients and second, to improve strategies to limit pandemic spread tailored to the pandemic and local situation.