Lithotripsy

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Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

Kidney anatomy

Lithotripsy procedure

Nephrolithiasis

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; Shock wave lithotripsy; Laser lithotripsy; Percutaneous lithotripsy; Endoscopic lithotripsy; ESWL

How well a person does depends on the number, size, and location of the stones. However, lithotripsy completely removes stones in most patients who have the procedure.

After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery room for up to about 2 hours. If you had percutaneous lithotripsy, you will need to stay in the hospital overnight.

It is extremely important that you have someone drive you home from the hospital. You should rest when you get home.

Most people can fully resume daily activities within one or two days after ESWL. It can take a little while long to recovery from laser and percutaneous lithotripsy.

You should drink plenty of water in the weeks after treatment. This helps pass any remaining pieces of stone and prevents them from coming back. You may have pain and nausea when the pieces pass. This can happen soon after treatment and may last for up to 4-8 weeks. Taking a painkiller and drinking lots of water will help relieve symptoms. It is normal to have a small amount of blood in your urine for a few days to weeks after the procedure.

Depending on the type of lithotripsy, you may need to take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines for a few days. If the stones are in your urinary system, you will probably be asked to strain your urine at home to look for stones. Any stones that are found can be sent to a medical lab for examination.

You will be asked to visit your doctor for a follow-up appointment in the weeks following the lithotripsy. (For example, this might include a kidney x-ray to determine if kidney stones are still present.)

Review Date: 07/17/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.