Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy – Crushing kidney stones

Description fragmentation of kidney stones

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a nonsurgical treatment for stones in the kidney and ureter. The method uses high energy shock waves, to break up kidney stones into small pieces. Parts of the stones are excreted in the urine.

Reasons for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones, that:

• Too high, to go out on their own;
• Causes constant pain;
• Blocks the flow of urine;
• Cause infections;
• Causes damage to the kidney tissue;
• They are the cause of bleeding.

Most people go after lithotripsy kidney stones within three months after the procedure. The greatest success achieved in the treatment of patients with stones in the kidney and ureter. After the operation may remain fragments, are too large, to pass through the urinary tract. In this case, the lithotripsy can be executed again.

Possible complications of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to lithotripsy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Blood in the urine;
• Bruising on the back or abdomen;
• Infection;
• Pain, when the stone fragments pass;
• Failure of stone fragments, which requires an additional operation;
• The need for additional procedures;
• Reaction to anesthesia.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Bleeding disorders or taking drugs, reduce blood clotting;
• Obesity;
• Skeletal deformation;
• The presence of a pacemaker;
• The presence of aortic enlargement (aneurysm aortы).

How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy?

Preparation for the procedure

Your doctor may do or assign the following:

• Conduct a medical examination;
• X-ray of the abdomen;
• Blood and urine tests;
• Intravenous urography (intravenous pyelogram) – X-ray of the urinary system, made after the administration of contrast material;
• Spiral computed tomography – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the body;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body.

Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

Anesthesia

Usually, used strong sedatives or general anesthesia. The sedative will keep you in a state of relaxation. When using general anesthesia you sleep. This will help you avoid the pain and discomfort.

Procedure of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

You will be placed on a special table, equipped for lithotripsy. You will need to lie on a padded or membrane, through which the wave. The doctor will use X-rays or ultrasound, to find a stone. Over the location of the stone is set irradiators and from one to three thousand shock waves will affect the stones, until they are crushed into pieces, like grains of sand.

How long will lithotripsy?

About 45-60 minutes.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Subsequently, there may be some pain and discomfort, when out of the stone. Also at the exposed emission surface of the skin may occur bruises. The pain and discomfort after the procedure can be reduced by medication.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy – postoperative period

You will be able to move almost immediately after the procedure. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:

• Drink plenty of water in the weeks after the procedure, to help get out the particles of stone;
• You will be able to resume daily activities within 1-2 days;
• Take pain relievers as directed doctor, to reduce pain and discomfort.

Contact your doctor after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Constant desire, or vice versa, inability to urinate;
• A large amount of blood in the urine;
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, that do not pass after taking the prescribed medicines;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Pain between the ribs, when the stones pass.