Kidney stones are very common in most parts of the world. In the US, people who have kidney stones are commonly treated using Shock Wave Lithotripsy. It is the most common since it does not involve invasive techniques and is an outpatient procedure.

How is Shock Wave Lithotripsy done?

Also called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL, this treatment is done when the stones are lodged in the kidney or ureter and are too large to pass naturally in the urine. The procedure involves locating the stone using X-Rays or ultrasound to determine the exact point to target the shock waves. When the stone has been located, high-energy shock waves are then targeted on the stone to break it into smaller pieces. The small fragments can then pass in the urine naturally. However, when there are still large fragments left, another treatment may be necessary. It is common for ESWL treatment to take more than one session as stones break apart differently.

When to have Shock Wave Lithotripsy?

The treatment is most effective in stones that are 2cm in diameter or smaller. The decision to treat kidney stones with shock wave lithotripsy will also depend largely on the shape of the stone, its exact location in the urinary tract and the health condition of the patient.

Shock wave lithotripsy may not be the appropriate form of treatment for some people. It uses ultrasound and X-rays that can be harmful for pregnant women. Moreover, people with bleeding disorders, skeletal abnormalities, infections, or are overweight may not have the treatment. Your urologist will also decide if you can have this treatment if your kidneys have abnormalities.

What to expect after Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Since this is an outpatient procedure, most patients often go home an hour after treatment. Pain medications are often prescribed by your doctor since there will be pain or abdominal cramping afterwards as the stone fragments pass down the urinary tract. You will also be asked to drink plenty of water and strain your urine to collect the stone fragments for testing. Other medications may also be prescribed as deemed necessary by your doctor.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy is effective in most of the patients that have the ideal health conditions. Some patients treated with shock wave were found to be stone free in just three months. However, in some cases, large stones still remain after the chronic kidney disease treatment. This often requires another session or another form of kidney stone treatment to remove the stones successfully.