Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of kidney stones
and stones in other organs, such as the gallbladder or the liver.
Kidney stones occur when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize
in the kidneys, forming solid masses (stones). Stones may consist of small,
sharp-edged crystals, or smoother, heavier formations that resemble polished
river rocks. They usually exit the body naturally during urination.
However, sometimes the body can’t pass larger formations through urination.
This can lead to kidney damage. People with kidney stones may experience
bleeding, severe pain, or urinary tract infections. When stones begin to cause
these types of problems, your doctor may suggest lithotripsy.
How Does Lithotripsy Work?
Lithotripsy uses sound waves to break up large kidney stones into smaller
pieces. These sound waves are also called high-energy shock waves. The most
common form of lithotripsy is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Extracorporeal means “outside the body.” In this case, it refers to the source
of the shock waves. During ESWL, a special machine called a lithotripter
generates the shock waves. The waves travel into the body and break apart the
stones.
ESWL has been around since the early 1980s. It quickly replaced surgery as the
treatment of choice for larger kidney stones. ESWL is a noninvasive procedure,
which means it doesn’t require surgery. Noninvasive procedures are generally
safer and easier to recover from than invasive procedures.
Lithotripsy takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform. You’ll likely be
given some form of anesthesia (local, regional, or general) so you don’t
experience any pain.
After lithotripsy, stone debris is removed from the kidneys or the ureter (tube
leading from the kidney to the bladder) through urination.
How to Prepare for Lithotripsy
It’s important to tell your doctor about any prescription drugs,
over-the-counter medications, or supplements you take. Certain drugs such as
aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) can interfere with the
blood’s ability to clot properly.
Your doctor will probably ask you to stop taking these medications well before
the procedure. However, don’t stop taking drugs you’ve been prescribed unless
your doctor tells you to.
Some people have lithotripsy under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to
prevent pain. However, most people have the procedure under general anesthesia,
which puts them to sleep during the procedure. If you’re going to be under
general anesthesia, your doctor may tell you to not drink or eat anything for
at least six hours before the procedure.
If you’re having ESWL under general anesthesia, plan for a friend or family
member to drive you home after the procedure. General anesthesia may make you
drowsy after lithotripsy, so you shouldn’t drive until the effects have fully
worn off.
What to Expect During Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy is usually done on an outpatient basis. This means that you’ll go
to the hospital or clinic on the day of the procedure and leave the same day.
Before the procedure, you’ll dress in a hospital gown and lie on an exam table
on top of a soft, water-filled cushion. This is where you’ll remain while
lithotripsy is performed. You’ll then be given medicine to sedate you and
antibiotics to fight infection.
During lithotripsy, high-energy shock waves will pass through your body until
they reach the kidney stones. The waves will break the stones into very small
pieces that can easily be passed through the urinary system.
After the procedure, you’ll spend about two hours in recovery before being sent
home. In some cases, you may be hospitalized overnight. Plan to spend one to
two days resting at home after the procedure. It’s also a good idea to drink
plenty of water for several weeks after lithotripsy. This will help the kidneys
flush out any remaining stone fragments.
Risks of Lithotripsy
Like most procedures, there are some risks involved in lithotripsy. You may
experience internal bleeding and need a blood transfusion. You can develop
infection and even kidney damage when a stone fragment blocks the flow of urine
out of the kidneys. The lithotripsy can damage the kidneys, and they may not
work as well after the procedure. Possible serious complications may include
high blood pressure or kidney failure.
Long-Term Outlook for People with Kidney Stones
The outlook is generally good for people with kidney stones. Recovery may vary
depending on the number and size of the stones, but lithotripsy can usually
remove them completely. In some cases, however, additional treatments may be
needed. While lithotripsy works very well for most people, there’s a chance
that the stones will return.
On Mar 20, 2017, at 6:28 PM, Vickie <happytraveler1972@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
So what do they do in the lithotripsy? I thought that was the procedure
where they go up the urethra and laser them. Straighten me out.
Vickie Rolison
From: Richard McKinley
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2017 5:51 PM
To: msb-alumni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [msb-alumni] Re: Kidney stone update.
They can also go through the bladder with a scope and break them up with a
laser. They also have stone baskets to try and catch them but I don't know
if they use that method anymore. They tried that with my very first stone.
It wasn't successful and back then they had to open you up to get stones if
the basket didn't work. Back then, lithotripsy was in its infancy. So, I
had surgery. If I could be sure the stones would stay in the kidneys, I'd
just leave them alone. However, I know the pain of having them pass through
the body I really don't want to take that chance.
On Mar 18, 2017, at 1:54 PM, Lucy Edmonds <lucyjean11@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
What other options do they have besides the lithotripsy? Do you know? When I
worked in the medical field, that was about the only option with kidney
stones as big as that.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 18, 2017, at 1:55 PM, Richard McKinley <mcfurbie@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I'm going to have a plain x-ray sometime next week, then we'll go from
there.
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 12:46 PM -0500, "Lucy Edmonds"
<lucyjean11@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Wow Rich, that's terrible! Are they going to do lithotripsy?
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2017, at 6:10 PM, Richard McKinley wrote:To send a message,
Well, just got the CT scan results. I still have 11 kidney stones. 5
in the right kidney and 6 in the left. Have to get a plain x ray. Then
see about removing them. The largest stone is 9 mm. If that one tries
to pass I'll really be in trouble.
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