Lithotripsy in Sioux City, IA

Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter (tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder). After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones pass out of your body in your urine. This completely non-invasive treatment can be a great option for patients suffering from kidney stones in Sioux City, IA. Since 1975, Siouxland Urology has strived to provide the city of Sioux City, IA with the comprehensive care and the latest in urologic technology. Our board-certified urologists at Siouxland Urology specialize in performing the lithotripsy procedure and will take the time to answer any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery process. If you are currently suffering from kidney stones, contact our office at (605) 217-7000 and discover if the lithotripsy procedure is right for you!

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What Is Lithotripsy?

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common type of lithotripsy. “Extracorporeal” means outside the body.

To get ready for the procedure, you will put on a hospital gown and lie on an exam table on top of a soft, water-filled cushion.

You will be given medicine for pain or to help you relax before the procedure starts. You will also be given antibiotics

When you have the procedure, you may be given general anesthesia for the procedure. You will be asleep and pain-free.

High-energy shock waves, also called sound waves, will pass through your body until they hit the kidney stones. If you are awake, You may feel a tapping feeling when this starts. The waves break the stones into tiny pieces.

The lithotripsy procedure should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

A tube may be placed through your bladder or back into your kidney. This tube will drain urine from your kidney until all the small pieces of stone pass out of your body. This may be done before or after your lithotripsy treatment.

Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that are causing:

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

Not all kidney stones can be removed using lithotripsy. The stone may also be removed with:

• A tube (endoscope) inserted into the kidney through a small surgical cut.
• A small lighted tube inserted through the bladder into ureters. Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
• Open surgery (rarely needed).

What Are the Risks of Lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is safe most of the time. Talk to your doctor about possible complications such as:

• Bleeding around your kidney, which may need a blood transfusion
• Kidney infection
• Pieces of the stone block urine flow from your kidney (this may cause severe pain or damage to your kidney)
• Pieces of stone are left in your body (you may need more treatments)
• Ulcers in your stomach or small intestine
• Problems with kidney function after the procedure