Category Archives: General Surgery

How long does it take for the stone fragments to pass after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?

After extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), the time needed for stone expulsion depends on the size and hardness of the fragments. In most cases, passage begins only after one day; soft stones may be expelled on the same day. Although ESWL can break the stone into pieces, these pieces are still discrete fragments. They have to be flushed out by drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently. The recommended fluid intake is 2 000–3 000 mL per day. Patients are also advised to walk around so that the fragments can migrate and be expelled more easily. A small portion of the... Learn more

How many days of rest are needed after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?

Patients should rest for at least three days after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL); the exact period is adjusted according to how smoothly the stone fragments pass. The repeated shock waves produce mild trauma to the kidney or ureter, leading to localized edema and sometimes small mucosal tears. This explains the slight abdominal pain or discomfort commonly felt after the procedure. Provided the symptoms are tolerable, no extra intervention is required. Post-ESWL routine Drink plenty of water Perform gentle activity (walking) to help gravel descend Avoid strenuous exercise, which can intensify pain while edema is present Minimum 3-day rest is advised.... Learn more

How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?

In general, minimally invasive lithotripsy requires 5–7 days of hospitalization. When extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) fails to clear the stones, minimally invasive lithotripsy is performed. This involves making a small puncture in the skin to insert a special instrument that delivers holmium laser energy directly onto the stone surface. The success rate is high because the laser effectively fragments most stones, allowing the fragments to pass out naturally. For ureteral stones, a cystoscope can be passed through the bladder into the ureter to reach the stone, and holmium laser lithotripsy is then performed. Although effective, the procedure may cause minor... Learn more

How long does it usually take for a stone lodged in the urethra to come out?

A stone impacted in the urethra usually needs at least three days to pass spontaneously. If it cannot move, fragmentation is required; the exact clearance time varies from person to person. The urethra has three natural narrow points. A stone that is too large becomes impacted, causing obstruction and local inflammatory edema. Copious fluid intake is encouraged to drive the calculus downward. Once the stone starts to migrate, complete expulsion usually occurs within about 72 h. For stones that fail to move: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is performed; afterward, most fragments pass with increased hydration. If ESWL is unsuccessful, holmium-laser... Learn more

Can drinking too much tea cause stones?

People in many countries drink tea every day. They love the gentle lift and the warm taste. Yet some worry that too much tea might raise the risk of kidney stones. This fear is not new. Doctors in China often meet patients who ask the same question after hearing it from friends or social media. The short answer is: for most healthy adults, normal tea drinking does not cause stones. Still, the story has a few twists. What exactly is a kidney stone A kidney stone is a tiny crystal that forms inside the kidney. It can be as small... Learn more