Lithotripsy

Details about Lithotripsy.

Lithotripsy is a non-surgical procedure of breaking kidney ureter and urinary bladder stones through shockwaves into small fragments that are subsequently passed out in the urine.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common type of lithotripsy. "Extracorporeal" means outside the body.

To get ready for the procedure, you will put on a hospital gown and lie on an exam table on top of a soft, water-filled cushion. You will not get wet.

You will be given medicine for pain or to help you relax before the procedure starts. You will also be given antibiotics.

When you have the procedure, you may be given general anesthesia for the procedure. You will be asleep and pain-free.

High-energy shock waves, also called sound waves, guided by x-ray or ultrasound, will pass through your body until they hit the kidney stones. If you are awake, you may feel a tapping feeling when this starts. The waves break the stones into tiny pieces.

The lithotripsy procedure should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.