Does anyone know about lithotripsy? Is it painful?
Oct 30, 2009
in
Kidney Stone Treatment
All I know is that it is a type of shock wave to break up your kidney stones, Just want to know what to expect.
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4 comments
voidedius on October 30, 2009 at 7:25 am
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure used to shatter simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. Ultrasonic waves are passed through the body until they strike the dense stones. Pulses of sonic waves pulverize the stones, which are then more easily passed through the ureter and out of the body in the urine. the stones are simply crushed into sand-like particles which pass out, harmlessly, in urine.
Yahooligan on October 30, 2009 at 7:25 am
Nowadays, with lithotripsy, the stones are simply crushed into sand-like particles which pass out, harmlessly, in urine. Most suitable stones are ones which range from 6-7 mm in diameter to 2.5 Cms in diameter.For larger stones, Staghorn shaped stones or sometime even for multiple stones, PCNL ( Per Cutaneous Nephrosto Lithotripsy) or Key Hole Surgery or a combination of Lithotripsy and PCNL may be selected for best results. However, for stones from 6 mm to 25 mm, Lithotripsy remains the
TREATMENT OF CHOICE
VIRTUALLY NO PAIN!
NO ANESTHESIA!
NO SURGERY!
NO HOSPITAL STAY!
firmiedylan on October 30, 2009 at 7:25 am
Anything that is not part of the body will become painful. Example once the stones are broken up and pass through urethra you will have some discomfort. Your doctor may provide a pain killer. Also, remember to ask your physician for any alternative treatment, he’s more experience in guiding you to make a better judgement. Below is a link with illustrations on lithotripsy procedure.
pegbabb on October 30, 2009 at 7:25 am
Lithtotripsy is good for breaking up kidney stones. As the other answers given are good answers they failed to mention that if you are nervous about going through thr procedure which lasts just a short while,the doctor may prescribe a sedative. The stones are usually broken down small enough to pass when you urinate. You normally are given a urine strainer to pass your urine through. That way the doctor will be able to see them and know whether there are any left. The stone is hard and has small protruding spikes. Sometimes if the stone is too large or gets stuck you may need a simple procedure to remove them. This ordeal is done on an outpatient basis and passing them even after they have been "crushed" could be quite painful. Particularly for males (they have further to travel) Drink plenty of liquids.