Lithotripsy:
Relief From Pain:
If
you have
a kidney stone, you're probably all too familiar with the excruciating
pain it can cause. Fortunately, a treatment called lithotripsy
can help. Also known as ESWL© (extracorpeal shock wave
lithotripsy), this noninvasive procedure helps your body rid itself
of the kidney stone with a minimum of pain.
What is Lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy
is a method of crushing a kidney stone while it's still inside
you body. It's a noninvasive procedure that doesn't require incisions.
During lithotripsy, carefully directed shock waves pass harmlessly
through your body and hit the stone, causing it to crumble into
sandlike particles. These particles can then pass easily out of
your urinary tract.
Possible Complications:
Complications
of
lithotripsy are rare, but include the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
of the kidney
- Bruising
of the kidney or skin
- obstruction
of the ureter (the passageway from the kidney to the bladder
How It's Done:
The
lithotripsy procedure, which takes about an hour, is done in a
hospital, lithotripsy center, or mobile lithotripsy van. It usually
doesn't require an overnight hospital stay. Dr. Schoenfeld or
one of his nurses can instruct you on how to prepare for the procedure
and explain what to expect afterward.
Your Experience:
A
stent (flexible tube with holes) may be placed in your ureter
before the procedure to help keep urine flowing form the kidney.
You may receive an intravenous (IV) line to give you fluids and
medications. These medications may help relax you or make you
sleep. You lie comfortably on a fluid-filled cushion or in a warm-water
bath. An x-ray or ultrsound finds the exact location of your kidney
stone. Then shock waves are aimed at the stone and sent at high
speed. If you're awake, you may feel a tapping sensation as the
shock waves pass harmlessly through your body. If large stone
particles remain after the treatment, a second procedure may be
necessary at a later time.
After the Procedure:
After
the procedure, you'll be monitored in a recovery room for about
one to three hours. You may be prescribed antibiotics to help
prevent infection and pain medication if you need it. In a week
or two, Dr. Schoenfeld may remove your stent, if you have one,
and check whether any stone particles remain.
Passing the Stone:
It
may take anywhere from a day to several weeks for the stone particles
to leave your body. During this time, drink plenty of liquids.
It's normal for your urine to be cloudy or slightly bloody for
a few weeks. You may even see small pieces of stone in your urine.
A slight fever and some pain are also normal. Dr. Schoenfeld may
ask you to strain your urine to collect some stone particles for
chemical analysis.
When to Call the Doctor:
Call
our office if you have any of the following:
- Fever
over 104°F
- Heavy
bleeding
- Pain
not relieved by pain medication
- Nausea
and vomiting
- Difficulty
urinating
What Are Kidney Stones?
The
kidney's job is to filter chemicals that the body can't use out
of the blood. When your two kidneys are healthy, waste chemicals
disolve in the urine and are carried out of your body. But under
certain conditions, chemicals in the urine may form crystals.
These crystals build up in the kidney and stick together to form
a stone. Kidney stones may block the flow of urine through the
urinary tract, causing severe pain.
Prevent Future Stones:
After
your kidney stone has been treated, take these steps to prevent
future stones:
- Drink
lots of water, about 8 to 12 eight-ounce glasses every day.
- Follow
the diet the doctor recommends.
- Take
your prescribed medications.
- See
the doctor regularly for checkups.
*This information is not intended as
a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can
diagnose and treat a medical problem. *
