Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Passing a kidney stone can be very painful. Shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment that helps by breaking the kidney stone into smaller pieces so that it is easier to pass. This treatment is also called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Lithotripsy takes about an hour and is done in a hospital, lithotripsy center or mobile lithotripsy van.

You will likely go home the same day. This treatment is not used for all types of kidney stones. Your healthcare

provider will discuss whether this is the right treatment for the type of stone you have.

Energy waves strike the stone, which begins to crack. The stone crumbles into tiny pieces.

During the procedure

• You get medicine to relax or sleep as well as prevent pain during lithotripsy.
• Once this takes effect, the procedure will start.
• A flexible tube (stent) with holes in it may be placed into your ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder.
• This helps keep urine flowing from the kidney.
• Your healthcare provider then uses X-ray or ultrasound to find the exact location of the kidney stone.
• Sound waves then are aimed at the stone and sent at high speed.
• If you are awake, you may feel a tapping as they pass through your body.

After the procedure

• You will be monitored in a post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Antibiotics and pain medicine may be prescribed before you leave.
• You will have a follow-up visit in a few weeks. Keep your follow-up appointment as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• If you received a stent, it will be removed.
• Your healthcare provider will also check for pieces of stone. If large pieces remain, you may need a second lithotripsy or another procedure.

Passing the stone

• It can take a day to several weeks for the pieces of stone to leave your body. Drink plenty of liquids to help flush your system.
  
• Your urine may be cloudy or slightly bloody. You may even see small pieces of stone.
• You may have a slight fever and some pain. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medicine as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• You may be asked to strain your urine to collect some stone particles so that they can be studied in the lab.