Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that are causing:

• Pain
• Urinary tract infections
• Bleeding
• Harm to your kidney

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

• If you are or could be pregnant
• What drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the days before the surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot. Ask your doctor when to stop taking them.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.

On the day of your procedure:

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for several hours before the procedure.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery room for up to about 2 hours. Most people are able to go home the day of their procedure.

How well you do depends on the number of stones you have, their size, and where in your urinary system they are. Usually, lithotripsy completely removes the stones.

Images

Kidney anatomy

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

Lithotripsy procedure

Nephrolithiasis

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Lithotripsy Risks

Review Date: 01/15/2009
Reviewed By: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)