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How Lithotripsy Works ?
There are several types of lithotripsy procedures. All of these options are often done on an outpatient basis with only some requiring the use of anesthesia. Besides its success rate as a relatively simple procedure, the other benefit of lithotripsy is that the recovery time is only a few days.
Here’s how it works. The person receiving the treatment either lies down in a water bath or on a cushion. The doctor employs an x-ray or ultrasound machine to locate the stone. The ultrasound machine sends out numerous high-energy shockwaves which pinpoint and shatter the kidney stones into a fine powder that can be passed out of the body through the urine with no pain or discomfort.
Is anaesthesia required for the procedure?
Pain threshold differs from patient to patient. majority of the cases can be done with simple I.V. Sedation. Sensitive patients and children need short pentothal or ketamine.
When is patient discharged ?
Patient is discharged within 2 hrs. of the procedure.
Which types of the stones can be treated ?
Single and multiple stones of various chemical compositions and sizes can be treated. It is very useful for residual and recurrent stones.
Which types of the stones can be treated ?
Single and multiple stones of various chemical compositions and sizes can be treated. It is very useful for residual and recurrent stones.
What is ESWL ? Is it the same as Lithotripsy?
Scientific term used for Lithotripsy is ESWL. It stands for Extracorporeal ShockWave Lithotripsy - A procedure of breaking stone by shockwaves generated from outside the body.
Is ISWL an established treatment modality?
ESWL was invented in February, 1980, at Munich (Germany). Since then it is widely and successfully used all over the world. At present it is the most superior, safe, modern and scientific modality for stone treatment. More than 10000 Lithotripsy machines are working world wide at present. It is APPROVED BY HEALTH AUTHORITIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
What is ShockWave? How is it produced?
Shockwave is an energy front. It is produced by an abrupt high magnitude electrical discharge in various types of media. In water media, it is called Electrohydraulic, in magnetic field Electromagnetic and in ceramic crystals Piezoelectric.
How does it break the stone? Why are the body tissues spread?
Major constituent of all human tissues is water (90%). Shockwaves pass through these tissues without any resistance. (Impedence) A Stone offers high resistance to shockwaves due to its higher density. Due to this high Impedence it absorbs from shockwaves. This disintegration is enhanced by adjusting the stone on the focalpoint of shockwave generation source.
Are there any contraindications for ESWL?
There are only few contraindications for ESWL.
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Pregnancy
- Bleeding Disorders
In cases where obstruction and infection are present along with the stone, they should be treated prior to the stone.
It should be avoided in non functioning kidney.
Should larger stone (>2.5cms) be treated by ESWL?
Large stones when broken by ESWL can cause problems during clearance. They can block ureter and cause obstruction. They may remain stagnant in dependent calyces. Larger stone may require multiple ESWL sittings. Ideal treatment for such stones is percutaneous removal of stone. (PerCutaneously NephroLithotomy - PCNL)
What is ideal for lower Ureteric stones?
Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a simple and safe procedure. A slender 6F scope is passed through urethra in ureter. Stones can be broken or extracted under vision. For stones in lower ureter and at times in mid ureter, URS is treatment modality of choice.
What preparations are reqauired for Lithotripsy?
Once the final diagnosis of the stone is made, only routine blood and urine investigations are required. Patient has to be nil by mouth for four hours.
How long does one treatment sitting take? Are more sittings required?
Single treatment sitting takes around 45 minutes. 1cm stone usually breaks in single sitting. Larger stones may require more than one sitting at an interval of around 7-10 days. No extra charge is taken for these sittings.
When is patient discharged?
Patient is discharged within 2hrs. of the procedure.
What is the cost of the treatment?
Treatment cost depends on the size of the stone. Larger stones require more number of shockwaves, consume more electricity and machine spares. Treatment cost increases with the size of stone. It is INCLUSIVE OF THE DOCTOR FEES, ANAESTHESIA IF REQUIRED, POST TREATMENT FOLLOWUP AND DIETARY ADVICE TO PREVENT RECURRENCE.
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