Extracorporeal Shock Wave LithotripsyESWL
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionExtracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a nonsurgical treatment for kidney stones. It uses high-energy shock waves to break the stones into tiny pieces. The pieces can then be passed with urine.
Reasons for Procedure TOPLithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that:
Most people who have lithotripsy for kidney stones are free of stones within 3 months of treatment. Those with stones in the kidney and upper ureter have the most success with treatment. There may be fragments that are too large to pass after the procedure. They can be treated with lithotripsy again. Possible Complications TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYour doctor may do the following:
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure. AnesthesiaHeavy sedation or general anesthesia is usually used. Heavy sedation will keep you calm. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep through the procedure. Description of the Procedure TOPYou will be placed on a soft cushion on top of a table. Shock waves can be passed to the stones through this cushion. X-rays or ultrasound will be used to locate the stone. Your body will be positioned to target the stone. Shock waves will be passed through the stones until they are crushed. They will be crushed into pieces as small as grains of sand. How Long Will It Take? TOP45-60 minutes How Much Will It Hurt? TOPAnesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. There may be some pain and discomfort afterward from the passage of broken stones. There may also be some bruising on the area treated. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medication. Postoperative Care TOPYou will be able to move almost immediately after the procedure. Drink plenty of water in the weeks after the procedure to help the stone pieces pass. Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org Kidney Foundation of Canada https://www.kidney.ca References:Kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones. Accessed March 8, 2018. Lithotripsy. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at:
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/lithotripsy. Accessed March 8, 2018.
Nephrolithiasis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114904/Nephrolithiasis
. Updated February 5, 2018. Accessed March 8, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrienne Carmack, MD Last Updated: 3/3/2014 |
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