Lithotripsy

Why do I need Lithotripsy?

It will have been explained to you that you have a stone in your kidney or ureter. The kidneys filter the blood, and remove excess water and waste chemicals to produce urine. Urine travels from each kidney down a tube called the ureter into the bladder, then out of the body through a tube called the urethra. Many waste chemicals are dissolved in the urine, sometimes they form tiny crystals in the urine which clump together to form a stone. Most stones are made of calcium.

What is Lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy means break-up of stones. The full medical term for this is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL for short). This can treat nearly 80% of stones in the body without the need for other procedures. For some large stones in the kidney and stones in the ureter the treatment may have to be combined with other procedures.

How does it work?

The principle of the treatment is that shock waves can travel through the tissues of the body without producing damage. When the shock waves find a hard substance, such as a stone, the energy is released to cause the break-up of the stone.

Can everyone have this treatment?

You should not have this treatment if you are pregnant, if you are trying for a baby staff can do a pregnancy test on the day of your treatment.

What is the benefit of this procedure?

The benefit of this procedure is to remove your stone without having to perform an operation.

After the treatment

Following the treatment you will be given time to recover. Food & drink will be provided upon your return. You will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. The nurse looking after you will provide you with pain relief to take home and information on your after care. You will be discharged the same day.