Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy: a procedure that uses shock waves to break down kidney stones in the kidney, bladder, or urethra into crystals small enough to be passed out of the body.

After the procedure, the tiny pieces which can then move through the bile ducts to the intestines and thus be excreted.

It can also be used to break gallstones into small pieces which can then move through the bild ducts to the intestines and thus be excreted.

• Patient asked to lie on their front
• May be offered headphones - machine is loud
• Technician will use an ultrasound to locate the stone
• Gel applied to the skin, then use a lithotripter sensor to direct shock waves on each stone. This produced beams of sound waves via a liquid filled cushion placed near the organ with the stones
• The intensity of the shock waves will be increased gradually, causing stone to break up
• Patient should try to not move during the treatment, or the stone will move out of position
• Patient will need pain relief to help with discomfort.
• Their nurse will then give a date for a follow-up appointment and ask the patient to pass urine before they go home.

The shock waves cause pain in the kidneys and a stinging pain in the skin on the patient's back. 

They may need to have more than one treatment to get rid of the stones.