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What are the risks of the ESWL procedure?

It is possible that the kidney stone may not be completely removed. You may experience bruising, grazing, or blistering of the skin where the shockwaves have passed through.

What is the stone-free rate using ESWL compared to laser?

Lingeman and Newman indicate 95% stone-free rate for stones <1cm and 87% for stones 1-2 cm (1990). According to one studyin the Oman Medical Journal, the stone-free success rate of lithotripsy is 74% for kidney stones and 88% for ureter stones (2013).

What happens following a lithotripsy treatment?

A couple of hours after the procedure, you may be able to go home. Make sure someone can take you home. There are medicines available to ease any pain or discomfort you may have. The doctor treating you will consider how well your kidney is functioning before prescribing any medicines, as certain medicines can cause […]

What can a patient expect before a lithotripsy procedure?

Physical exam by a doctor or specialist, urologist X-ray , ultrasound , or CT scan to determine the thickness, depth, and location of the stone(s) The doctor needs the x-ray to be completely up-to-date before the procedure. He/she will need to review the position and type of stone being treated to ensure the most effective […]

What are the main causes of kidney stones?

Combination of drinking insufficient water & having a modern high-sodium diet Genetic tendency to create stones Kidney stones are created when minerals and salts in urine crystalize, combine together, and form stones. They can cause pain and even infection when they block the urinary tract system.

Who is NOT a candidate for lithotripsy?

People with bleeding disorders, infections, severe skeletal abnormalities, or who are morbidly obese are usually not good candidates. Pregnant women with stones are not treated with ESWL. Also, if your kidneys have any abnormalities, your doctor may decide you should have a different treatment.

What is lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) The Greek roots of this word lithotripsy are “litho” meaning stone, and “tripsy” meaning crushed. Extracorporeal means outside of the body, and a shockwave is a pressure wave created by high-energy acoustic waves. These waves can be generated either by hydraulic or electromagnetic power. Lithotripsy […]

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