Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (Winter 2003)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is a non-surgical technique for treating stones in the kidney and ureter using high energy shock waves. These shock waves break stones into very small pieces which can then pass from the body along with the urine.
A kidney stone is a hard mass that occurs when calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together.
HealthTronics LithTron Lithotripsy System
How does lithotripsy work?
- The stones are located using C-arm fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound. The patient, lying on a radioluscent treatment table, is positioned so that the stones can be targeted precisely.
- The doctor will determine what kind of anesthesia or sedation the patient needs in order to reduce any discomfort.
- The Lithotripsy System utilizes spark gap technology to generate shock waves outside the patient's body (extracoporeal). Once the patient is comfortable, multiple shock waves of very short duration penetrate tissues, striking the kidney stone.
- After the first series of shock waves, progress is assessed, the patient may be repositioned and the treatment continues as necessary.
- The entire procedure may take one to two hours.
- After the treatment, patients can move about almost at once. Usually treatments are on an outpatient basis. After one or two days most patients are able to resume daily activities.
- It may take about 90 days for the stone fragments to pass out of the body. You will be asked to start out with a liquid diet and to drink lots of water since this helps the passing of stone fragments. For a few days patients' urine may have some blood. The passing of stone fragments through the urinary tract may cause discomfort.
Is this treatment method suitable for everyone?
- Your physician will decide if lithotripsy is the right treatment method for you. Some medical conditions prohibit the use of the LithTron System. The size, number, location, and composition of the stones have to be considered when choosing the lithotripsy treatment method.
How successful is lithotripsy?
- About 70 to 80% of patients are found to be free of stones within three month of treatment. After treatment some patients may still have stone fragments that are too big to be passed and have to be retreated.
The LithoTron re-treatment rate, per FDA studies, is only 4.1%.