Lithotripsy Specialist

What is lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment for large kidney stones. Dr. Khanna uses lithotripsy to help patients who can’t pass kidney stones due to their size or other issues. Since the 1980s, lithotripsy has been a viable alternative to surgery.

Lithotripsy uses soundwaves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed out of the body more easily. The most common form of lithotripsy is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). Dr. Khanna uses a machine called a lithotripter to send the sound waves through your body to break up your kidney stones.

What happens during a lithotripsy treatment?

Lithotripsy treatments typically last 45 minutes. You wear a hospital gown and rest on a water-filled cushion on an exam table. The doctor administers a sedative to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. The sound waves pass through your body, targeting your kidney stones.

Lithotripsy is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home after you recover from the sedative. You need to drink plenty of water after lithotripsy to help your body remove the small pieces of kidney stone. Most patients spend a day or two resting at home after lithotripsy, but Dr. Khanna provides aftercare instructions, specific to your needs.

Why would I need lithotripsy?

Kidney stones develop when minerals in your urine crystallize in your kidneys. Most of the time these masses exit your body when you urinate. However, when the kidney stone is large, your body can’t pass it through urination. When this happens, you can develop urinary tract infections, bleeding, extreme pain, and kidney damage.

Dr. Khanna suggests lithotripsy to protect your overall health as well as restoring the health and function of your kidneys. Lithotripsy is the preferred treatment for troublesome kidney stones because it is non-invasive and reduces the risks associated with traditional kidney stone surgery.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare for lithotripsy?

Dr. Khanna needs to know about any medications you regularly take, including prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs. If you are taking any drugs that thin your blood or affect its ability to clot, Dr. Khanna may suggest that you stop taking them. However, don’t stop taking any of your prescriptions unless Dr. Khanna tells you to.

You also should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. You had a sedative and may still be groggy when you are released from recovery.

If you have kidney stones and have questions about lithotripsy, call or book an appointment online to learn more today.