Kidney stones are a painful medical problem that affect more than 400,000 Americans every year. The stones are formed from hardened mineral deposits within the kidney and urinary tracts. They can block urine flow and can cause irreversible kidney damage or infection. Some stones pass through the urinary tract without serious problems. Others may require surgical or non-surgical treatment.
One of the best ways to treat kidney stones without surgery is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Lithotripsy is considered by many to be the gold standard of kidney stone treatment. More about lithotripsy
The Procedure
The patient receives a general anesthetic to help him remain still during the procedure and to reduce any discomfort. The physician pinpoints the location of the stone(s) by using X-rays or ultrasound. When the stone is located, the lithotripsy unit sends high-energy shock waves through the water and through the body to crush the stones into pieces as fine as sand. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
When the patient recovers from the anesthetic, he may feel some discomfort in his lower back. The stone, which was crushed during the lithotripsy treatment, will easily pass from the patient's body in urine. Some patients notice small amounts of blood in their urine. Many patients go home the same day they've had treatment.
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