Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is a procedure wherein kidney or ureter stones are broken apart using shock waves.

Conditions

This procedure is generally used to treat a kidney or ureter stone if …

• The stone fails to pass on its own.
• The pain is extreme.
• The stone affects kidney function.
• Repeated infections occur in the urine, or they block urine flow from the kidney.

Procedure

Using X-rays or ultrasound to pinpoint the stone, shock waves are fired repeatedly on the stone to cause it to break into small pieces. Over a few weeks, these smaller pieces of stones will pass through the urine.

After the Procedure

Generally, you may resume normal activities in two to three days. A few days after treatment, you may see blood in your urine. Although most stone pieces pass painlessly, larger pieces may get stuck in the ureter and cause pain. This may require additional removal procedures.