Definition

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment for kidney stones. It uses high-energy shock waves through the skin to break the stones into tiny pieces. The pieces can then be passed with urine.

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Reasons for Procedure

Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that:

• Are too large to pass
• Cause constant pain
• Block the flow of urine
• Cause an ongoing infection
• Damage kidney tissue
• Cause bleeding

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

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review possible problems, like:

• Blood in the urine
• Bruising in the back or abdomen
• Pain as the stone fragments pass
• Failure of stone fragments to pass, requiring additional surgery
• Need for additional treatments
• Reaction to anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Bleeding disorders or taking medications that reduce blood clotting
• Obesity
• Skeletal deformities

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

• Extreme urge or inability to urinate
• Excessive blood in your urine
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.