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Lithotripsy Surgeons In India – By Internationally Experienced Surgeons
Added: (Wed Oct 21 2009)
Lithotripsy In India
Q. What is Lithotripsy ?
Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves (thus the term Shock Wave Lithotripsy) to break up stones that form in the kidney, ureter and urinary bladder...
Alternative Names
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; Shock wave lithotripsy; Laser lithotripsy; Percutaneous lithotripsy; Endoscopic lithotripsy; ESWL ....
Who is an ideal candidate for Lithotripsy ?
If you have stone(s) in kidney, ureter or urinary bladder then you are an ideal candidate for Lithotripsy. In order to determine who is an ideal candidate for Lithotripsy, it is also important to keep in to consideration the size, location, shape and number of stones in the urinary organs. ..
What does the procedure of Lithotripsy involve ?
You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before the Lithotripsy procedure. Wear comfortable clothing so that you can change easily into a surgical gown for the surgery. The entire Lithotripsy procedure may take approximately one hour. You will receive local anesthesia with sedation to minimize pain and discomfort however, at the same time you will be required to stay still during the Lithotripsy procedure...
You might experience a mild tapping sensation during the procedure. There might be mild discomfort or pain during the procedure. There are two techniques available that are equally effective and widely used at most medical facilities...
The second method is you will be asked to lay in a special tub filled with warm water, stones will be located and visualized by x-ray or ultrasound and shock waves will be directed from the Lithotripsy machine called Lithotripter. These shock waves will pass through your skin and are completely harmless....
Intracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ICSWL) or Laser Lithotripsy is usually performed when the Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ECSWL) technique fails.....
Sometimes a stent is inserted in the ureter to keep it patent and facilitate the passage of stone fragments and debris with the urine, over the next few days. You will spend the next couple of hours in the recovery room under observation for bleeding or any other immediate complications. You will be allowed to go home after one or two days following the Lithotripsy procedure...
Recovery
You will probably have a lot of blood in the urine after the Lithotripsy procedure. This is normal and should clear after several days or so. Lots of fluids should be taken to encourage the flushing of any gravel (forced diuresis) remaining in the urinary system....
Benefits of Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy is a non-invasive method to treat and remove kidney stones that requires minimal hospitalization, reduced chances of postoperative complications associated with surgical procedures and much quicker recovery. People who have kidney stone(s) that are mobile benefit tremendously from this procedure....
Risks
Lithotripsy is generally safe. However, as with any medical procedure, complications can occur....
Those related to lithotripsy include : -
* Pieces of stone are left in the body. You may need more treatments.
* Bleeding around the kidney which, in rare cases, may require a blood transfusion.....
Signs of infection or blockage may include : -
* Strong need to urinate
* Too much blood in the urine
* Extreme pain
* Contact your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms....