Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to
treat certain types of kidney stones and stones in other organs, such as your
gallbladder or liver.
Kidney stones occur
when minerals and other substances in your urine crystallize in your kidneys, forming solid masses, or stones.
These may consist of small, sharp-edged
crystals or smoother, heavier formations that resemble polished river rocks.
They usually exit your body naturally during urination.
However, sometimes your 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 your 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 anaesthesia (local, regional, or general) so you don’t experience any pain.
- After the procedure, stone debris is removed from your kidneys or ureter, the tube leading from your kidney to your bladder, through urination.
Preparation
- 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, and warfarin or other blood thinners, can interfere with your 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 anaesthesia, your doctor may tell you not to drink or eat anything for at least six hours before the procedure.
- If you’re having ESWL under general anaesthesia, plan for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. General anaesthesia may make you drowsy after lithotripsy, so you should not 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 will go to the hospital or clinic on the day of the procedure and leave on the same day.
- Before the procedure, you change into a hospital gown and lie on an exam table on top of a soft, water-filled cushion. This is where you remain while the procedure is performed. You’re then 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 your urinary system.
- After the procedure, you will 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 your kidneys flush out any remaining stone fragments.