Lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones with shock waves or focused ultrasonic energy, sent directly to the stone. Shock waves break larger stones into smaller bits which will pass through the urinary system. This procedure can help prevent invasive surgical procedures needed to remove stones. Your doctor needs to see the stones under X-ray or ultrasound in order to aim the waves.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones form when high levels of substances in the urine, crystallize into a mass. Most kidney stones form inside the kidney but may move into the ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder).
How does lithotripsy work?
Lithotripsy uses sound waves or high-energy shock waves to break up large kidney stones into smaller pieces. The most common form of lithotripsy is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL has been around since the early 1980s. The word itself means “outside the body”. This refers to the source of the shock waves, as the lithotripter generates the shock waves, they travel into your body and break apart the stones. Since ESWL is a non-invasive procedure, it quickly replaced surgery as the treatment of choice for larger kidney stones. Noninvasive procedures are generally safer and easier to recover from than invasive procedures. Lithotripsy takes about 45-60 minutes to perform. Afterward, you’ll pass the pieces of stone through urination.
When is shock wave lithotripsy needed?
Doctors often use shock wave lithotripsy to treat kidney stones that:
Are too large to pass on their own (larger than 5 millimeters in diameter)
Block urine flow
Are very painful
What to expect from a lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is done by a urologist on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll leave the hospital on the same day of your procedure. You’ll lie on an exam table, on top of a soft, water-filled cushion for the procedure to be performed. You’ll also be given medicine to sedate and antibiotics to fight infection. For the procedure, high-energy shock waves will pass through your body till they reach the kidney stones. These waves will break the stones into very small pieces which can be easily passed through your urinary system. You’ll stay in recovery for about 2 hours before being sent home. Make sure to cancel any plans so you’ll get full rest at home the following couple of days from the procedure. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water for several weeks after lithotripsy. By doing so, you make sure to flush out any remaining stone fragments.
What are the risks of lithotripsy?
Like most procedures, some risks are involved in lithotripsy. Some risks are:
For internal bleeding, you may need a blood transfusion
Infection or even kidney damage, if a fragment blocks the flow of urine out of the kidney
Damaged kidneys, may not work as well after the procedure
Some potential risks of shock wave lithotripsy include:
Blockage in the ureter
Blood in the urine or bleeding around the kidney
Infection
Mild discomfort or bruising on the back (near the treated area)
Painful urination
Conclusion
In conclusion, lithotripsy is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter. After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones pass out of the body naturally through urine, providing significant relief from the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones. Lithotripsy has revolutionized the treatment of kidney stones, offering a less painful alternative to surgery with shorter recovery times. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with very large stones or certain medical conditions. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment option. Despite its benefits, lithotripsy is not without risks, including potential kidney damage and infection. Continued advancements in technology and technique are crucial to enhance the safety and efficacy of this treatment.