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Lithotripsy in Kolkata

Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy in Kolkata

Lithotripsy is a less invasive medical procedure employed to break down kidney stones or stones in other organs, such as the gallbladder or liver, into smaller fragments that can be more easily passed out of the body through urine. This medical procedure is used for the treatment of kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own or are causing pain and discomfort. 

With Lithotripsy, patients with specific kinds of urinary system stones can avoid invasive surgical stone removal. There are mainly two types of Lithotripsy, which include:

  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL is the most common type of lithotripsy. It involves using shock waves generated outside the body to break up kidney stones into smaller fragments. 

  • Intracorporeal Lithotripsy: Intracorporeal Lithotripsy involves breaking up kidney stones from within the body using specialised instruments inserted through natural body openings or small incisions. 

Consult our urologists if you need Lithotripsy in Kolkata to break down kidney stones.

Lithotripsy procedure is used to treat certain types of kidney stones and stones in other organs, such as your gallbladder or liver

FAQ's

Lithotripsy is a non-invasive medical procedure used for the breakdown of kidney stones or urinary tract stones into smaller pieces. This procedure is conducted using shock waves that are targeted at the stones, leading them to small pieces that ultimately pass out of the body through urine. Lithotripsy eliminates the need for surgery or an incision to remove kidney stones. It is an effective and less invasive way to treat stones that are causing symptoms like pain, obstruction, or infection in the urinary system.
 

Lithotripsy procedures, especially Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), are often used to treat kidney stones that cause symptoms or complications. This treatment is recommended for patients with kidney or urinary tract stones that are too large to pass naturally and may cause pain, obstruct urine flow, or result in recurrent infections. Lithotripsy breaks down stones into smaller fragments so they can be passed more easily through the urinary system, relieving pain and preventing complications while avoiding the need for invasive surgery.
 

As Lithotripsy is a completely non-invasive therapy, most Lithotripsy treatments are conducted on an outpatient basis. 

  • You will be positioned on a treatment table, lying on your back. 

  • Depending on the type of Lithotripsy used, you may receive general anaesthesia, sedation, or remain awake during the procedure. Our medical team will discuss the anaesthesia options with you.

  • Imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy can be used to locate the stones within your urinary tract.

  • Then the lithotripsy device will generate shock waves, which are focused on the location of the stone. These shock waves will be delivered externally through the skin. 

  • The shock waves will travel through the body and break the stone into smaller fragments. These smaller pieces are easier to pass through the urinary system.

  • The procedure is monitored using imaging to ensure the stones are being effectively fragmented.

  •  After completion of the procedure, our medical team may conduct imaging to assess the success of stone fragmentation and check for any remaining fragments.

  • You will be given plenty of fluids for the easy removal of stone fragments.

The location and size of the kidney stones, along with the particular kind of Lithotripsy to be used, may all determine the duration the procedure requires. It typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
 

The lithotripsy procedure is not painful because it is performed under anaesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. However, some patients may experience discomfort or pain after the procedure, particularly as the fragmented stone particles pass through the urinary tract. Post-procedural pain or discomfort may vary depending on factors like the size and location of the kidney stone, the type of Lithotripsy used, and individual pain tolerance. 
 

Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that is a safe and effective treatment for kidney stones. As with any other procedure, this procedure also has its risks and complications, but our urologists, who are experienced and well-trained, will take proper care to ensure your safety and an optimal outcome with fewer complications. Some common risks or complications associated with Lithroscopy are:

  • Bleeding around the kidney

  • Infection

  • Obstruction in the urinary tract by stone fragments

  • Incomplete stone fragmentation may require more Lithotripsies

  • Damage to surrounding organs or tissues

After undergoing Lithotripsy surgery, it is important to make certain lifestyle changes to help prevent the recurrence of kidney stones and promote overall urinary tract health. Here are some recommended lifestyle changes after Lithotripsy:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, is essential for preventing the formation of kidney stones.

  • Make dietary changes to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. This may include limiting the intake of foods high in oxalates (such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate), sodium, and animal protein. Increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods can also be beneficial. Consult a urologist for dietary recommendations.

  • While calcium is an essential nutrient, excessive intake of calcium supplements may increase the risk of kidney stone formation in some individuals. 

  • If your urologist has prescribed medicines to help prevent kidney stone formation, such as potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics, take them as directed and adhere to the prescribed treatment plan.

All kidney stones are not suitable for Lithotripsy. The procedure may not be appropriate for certain types of stones, such as large or hard stones, as well as certain medical conditions or pregnancy. A healthcare professional will assess the suitability of Lithotripsy based on individual circumstances.

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