Lithotripsy is a procedure used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract. It works by sending focused ultrasound energy or shock waves directly to the stone. The shock waves breakup a large kidney stone so that it will pass through the urinary system. Lithotripsy lets people with certain types of kidney stones avoid surgery.
When substances normally excreted through the kidneys stay in the kidney, they may crystallize and harden into a kidney stone. If the stones break free, they can get stuck in, the narrower passages of the urinary tract. Some kidney stones are small or smooth enough to pass easily through the urinary tract without discomfort. Other stones may have rough edges or grow as large as a pea. These can cause great pain as they move through or stick in the urinary tract. The areas that are more prone to trapping kidney stones are the bladder, ureters, and urethra.
“Since lithotripsy services were introduced at CVMC in 1989, we’ve grown to treat about 300 patients a year at CVMC,” says Bruce Billington, Coordinator of Lithotripsy.
What happens during lithotripsy? Lithotripsy services at CVMC are provided on an outpatient basis. Generally, lithotripsy follows this process:
After lithotripsy you will be taken to the recovery area for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged home. Plan to have someone give you a ride home. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after getting sedatives for the procedure. Your healthcare provider will provide specific post procedure instructions that often include:
How you can minimize recurring kidney stones:
People who have had one kidney stone are prone to develop others. Without preventive treatment or changes in lifestyle, patients can develop a new stone. About 80% of patients develop additional stones and half of these do so within 5 to 10 years of the first stone. If you have had kidney stones before, you are more likely to have kidney stones again. To help keep future stones from forming, try to:
What should you do if you think you have a kidney stone?
If you are having symptoms of a kidney stone, see your healthcare provider at your earliest convenience.
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