A Prediction Model Using Machine Learning Algorithm for Assessing Stone-Free Status after Single Session Shock Wave Lithotripsy to Treat Ureteral Stones

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a decision support model using a machine learning algorithm to predict treatment success after single session shock wave lithotripsy in ureteral stone cases.Of the 1,803 patients treated with shock wave lithotripsy we selected those with ureteral stones who had preoperative computerized tomography available. Treatment success after single session shock wave lithotripsy was defined as freedom from stones or residual stone fragments less than 2 mm long on computerized tomography or plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder 2 weeks later. Decision tree analysis was done using a machine learning algorithm to identify relevant parameters. A decision support model was developed to calculate the probability of treatment success.A total of 791 patients were enrolled in study. Mean ± SD stone length was 5.9 ± 2.3 mm and mean stone volume was 89.3 ± 140.0 mmWe applied a machine learning algorithm, a subfield of artificial intelligence, to predict the outcome after single session shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones. A 92.29% accurate decision model was developed with 15 factors and an average ROC AUC of 0.951.