Definition:
It is a method applied to break the stone in urinary bladder, kidney and ureter. This is a non-invasive feature and involves the use of shock waves. The treatment of shock waves is applied from the outer part of the body near kidneys. Generally, the name given to this treatment is extracorporeal shock wave. The need for shock wave treatment arises when the stones block the passage of urine causing extreme pain.
Extracorporeal shock wave treatment is one of the most preferred because of its being non-surgical. The patient is asked to lie down on a water bed or cushion. Now, the doctor will send various high-energy shockwaves that locates the stone and beaks it into a thin powder. This powder can be passed out of the body through urine and it also does not cause any pain. It works best on people, who have had only one stone or have uric acid stone.
Purpose:
The main purpose of lithotripsy is to treat big kidney stones that have unusual shape and get stuck in ureter. With this treatment, you have the chance of getting saved from the post operative complications resulting from surgical treatments. A good thing about this treatment is that around 70 to 90 percent patients get rid of their stone within 3 months.
Precautions:
Your doctor will not allow you to do any strenuous exercises. You are asked to collect the stone fragments passed in the urine for the following appointment. This will help our doctor to evaluate the results and progress of lithotripsy.
Pre ad Post Care:
The moment you are admitted to hospital, a complete physical examination will be done. A pyelogram test is conducted to locate the stone and blood test is conducted to find out bleeding problem. You will be asked to stop smoking before the procedure. Another thing take care is that you would be required to stop all other medications, until the procedure is complete.
On completing Lithotripsy, you will have to refrain from doing exercises as it would put pressure on the treated area. The doctor will not allow you to drive and operate heavy machinery. You will be given medications for pain and drink as much fluid as you can.
Risk Factors:
Though this is a non-surgical treatment, the risks still persists. Following are the risks that accompany this procedure:
- Inability to urinate due to obstruction by a stone fragment
- Pain and discomfort due to passage to remaining stone fragments.
- Frequency and urgency of urination
- Blood in the urine
- Persistent abdominal pain due to injury to internal organs
Hospital Stay:
The patients requiring Lithotripsy may have to stay in hospital for 2 to 4 days, depending on their treatment.
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