Lithotripsy is a non-surgical procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones. There are two types of lithotripsy, ESWL and laser lithotripsy, but both have risks. Patients must prepare for the procedure and may experience complications afterward.
Lithotripsy is a procedure in which kidney stones are broken up with shock waves so that a patient can pass them when urinating. This procedure is an alternative to surgery for kidney stones and can be very effective, especially in cases where the stones are still in the kidneys. When lithotripsy is ordered, a patient should plan to spend a few hours on the procedure, and some special preparations are required on the part of the patient to ensure that it goes smoothly.
In extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), kidney stones are broken up from outside the body with the use of a targeted shock or sound wave. Laser lithotripsy requires inserting a device into the ureter for the purpose of targeting and breaking up kidney stones. Both techniques are not safe for use in pregnant patients or patients with certain heart conditions or bleeding disorders.
Before a lithotripsy can take place, the patient will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure to be safe. The patient’s blood can also be tested to confirm that lithotripsy and the accompanying sedatives will be safe for the patient. At the time of the procedure, the patient will be sedated or anesthetized for comfort and carefully placed on a table or bench with a water-filled pillow or immersed in a tub of water. Water absorbs the shock from wave energy, reducing reverberations.
Kidney stones are identified with the use of a tracer dye that is injected and followed up by a medical imaging device. The dye builds up around the stones, highlighting them so it’s easy to aim the lithotripter in the right spot. Starting with a low-power setting, your doctor gradually increases the shock intensity until the stones break up. Within a few days, the patient should pass the stones.
There are some risks to lithotripsy. The procedure can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or blockage. Sometimes the stones fail to break which means the patient will need to have more aggressive surgery to address the problem and patients may also experience urinary blockages or infections due to lithotripsy or as a complication of passing kidney stones. Patients should definitely report severe abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine to their doctor if these symptoms emerge after a lithotripsy.
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