Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; Shock wave lithotripsy; Laser lithotripsy; Percutaneous lithotripsy; Endoscopic lithotripsy; ESWL

Lithotripsy is generally safe. Ask your doctor about these possible complications.

• Pieces of stone are left in your body. You may need more treatments.
• Bleeding around your kidney may require a blood transfusion.
• Your kidneys may not work as well, or they may stop working, after the procedure.
• You may get ulcers in your stomach or small intestine.
• Pieces of the stone may block urine flow from your kidney. This may cause severe pain or damage to your kidney.
• Kidney infection may occur.

Images

Kidney anatomy

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

Lithotripsy procedure

Nephrolithiasis

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Lithotripsy Overview

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Lithotripsy Recovery

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)