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Kidney stones are hard deposits formed in the kidney and are composed of crystalline minerals and other substances, such as calcium, uric acid salts, and other chemicals. Causes of kidney stones include over or little exercise, obesity, eating foods that have high salt or sugar content, and less fluid consumption. Various treatments using minimally invasive and non-invasive techniques are used to address kidney stones.
Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that destroys kidney stones and uses high-energy shockwaves with the help of ultrasounds or X-rays. The waves travel through the body, breaking down kidney stones. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to break down the large kidney stones into smaller pieces that can exit through the urine.
The Department of Urology at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, comprises specialists holding tremendous experience in dealing with kidney stones of varying complexities, along with dedicated technicians, nursing staff, and support staff. By employing cutting-edge technologies in Lithotripsy in Kolkata and state-of-the-art machinery, the department offers a multidisciplinary approach for all patients, ensuring optimal care and outcomes for their condition.
Lithotripsy procedures address kidney stones that cause damage to your kidney and lead to extreme pain, bleeding, and urinary tract infections. Specialists also consider several factors to decide whether the individual is an eligible candidate to undergo Lithotripsy. These include the size, and location of the stone, existing co-morbidities, current medications, and individual anatomy.
Before undergoing a Lithotripsy procedure, thorough evaluations are made based on your symptoms and medical history, such as lab tests to check for kidney function, blood counts, and imaging tests. You will be instructed to avoid medications such as anti-coagulants to minimise the risk of bleeding. Moreover, avoid consuming any food or fluids several hours before the procedure. You may also have to arrange your transportation to and from the hospital during the day of your procedure. Additionally, you are encouraged to ask questions or share your concerns, which our specialists will promptly address.
The decision to administer anaesthesia depends on our specialist and patient preference. During the procedure, the patient lies on a water-filled cushion, and an ultrasound or X-ray is done to locate the stone. The body is positioned to ensure accuracy. Using a shock wave lithotripsy machine, energy waves are sent through the water to the region where the stone is located. Thousands of high-energy shock waves are passed to break down the stones into little pieces. A tube is then placed through the back or bladder into your kidney to drain out urine until all the stone fragments come out. The procedure generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the severity of the condition.
Appropriate anaesthesia, general or local, will be administered before the procedure to mitigate any pain or discomfort that may arise. Moreover, you may experience abdominal pain or severe cramping due to the exit of stone fragments through urine. Our specialists will prescribe pain medications to address your pain post-procedure.
Possible complications or risks that may be associated with the Lithotripsy procedure include:
Bleeding around the kidney, which may necessitate a blood transfusion
Obstruction of urinary flow due to small stones
Retained kidney stone fragments
Kidney infection
Manifestation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine
Hypertension or kidney failure
It is important to know that the risks mentioned above outweigh the benefits of the procedure, and our specialists will ensure and address every complication that may occur during or after the procedure.
Patients can return to normal activities within a few days or weeks after the Lithotripsy procedure. However, you may experience side effects, such as abdominal pain, haematuria, bloody urine, or pain while urinating. Additional treatments may be required if the stones are not completely removed. You will be advised to consume more water after the treatment to pass any pieces of stone fragments through urine. Moreover, medications, such as alpha-blockers and pain management medicines, will be prescribed to enhance your recovery. It is crucial to take a rest after the procedure.
The success rate depends on the size, location, type of stone, and body type of the individual. Nevertheless, around 50-75% of individuals are found to be free of stones for 3 months after undergoing a Lithotripsy procedure. Moreover, patients with kidney stones less than 1 cm tend to have the highest success rate compared to others.
General post-procedural instructions you should follow to avoid getting kidney stones include:
Drinking high amounts of water
Adhering to medications tailored by our specialists
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet, which includes the consumption of vegetables and fruits that are low in salt and sugar
Attending follow-up appointments scheduled by our specialists
Symptoms that you should be aware of after lithotripsy, which may require medical assistance, include:
Fever and chills
Nausea or vomiting
A sensation of burning or itching while urinating
Urgency to urinate frequently
Extreme pain in the lower back or severe abdominal pain
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Blood clots present in urine
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