Lithotripsy For Kidney Stones

A noninvasive procedure that uses shock waves to break kidney stones into tiny fragments that are passed out of the body in the urine.

Parts of the Body Involved

Kidney, ureter, bladder

Reasons for Procedure

Lithotripsy is used to remove a kidney stone that:
  • Does not pass after a reasonable period of time and causes constant pain
  • Is too large to pass on its own or is caught in a difficult place
  • Blocks the flow of urine
  • Causes ongoing urinary tract infection
  • Damages kidney tissue or causes constant bleeding
  • Has grown larger (as seen on x-ray)

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Allergy to anesthesia
  • Regular use of aspirin or other drugs that may affect blood clotting
  • Obesity
  • Skeletal deformities
  • Pregnancy
  • Presence of a pacemaker

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • X-ray
  • Blood and urine tests
  • IVP (intravenous pyelogram)

Outcome

You can get up and move around after treatment, and most people resume normal daily activities within 1-2 days. Soon after the treatment, fragments of the stone will begin to pass out in your urine. This may last for up to 4 to 8 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Any unusual symptoms
  • Excessive urge to urinate or inability to urinate
  • Excessive blood in the urine
  • Gradual pain that moves down from the ribs toward the groin, as the stone passes through the urinary tract
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Extreme pain