Tag Archives: calculus disease

How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was introduced into clinical practice in the early 1980s. Experience has shown it to be a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment; the majority of upper-urinary-tract stones can be managed in this way. Success depends not only on stone size but also on location, chemical composition and anatomical factors. Stone size: Renal stones < 20 mm in diameter should be considered first-line for ESWL. Stone location: Pelvic stones fragment most readily; upper- and mid-calyceal stones respond better than lower-pole stones. Stone composition: Struvite and calcium-oxalate-dihydrate stones break easily; uric-acid stones can be treated with ESWL combined with... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. How many days of rest are needed after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  2. How long does it take for the stone fragments to pass after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  3. How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?
  4. Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?
  5. Can patients with stones eat yogurt?
  6. Can patients with stones drink tea?

Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?

Anesthesia is given during lithotripsy, so pain is usually minimal; however, colicky pain may appear later when stone fragments pass down the ureter. Therefore some discomfort is possible during the whole stone-removal process. Main lithotripsy techniques: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) Suitable for renal stones ≤ 2 cm Stones are localized by X-ray or ultrasound and fractured with focused high-energy shock waves; the resulting sand-like particles are voided with urine. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy / stone extraction Rigid or flexible scopes (flexible scopes preferred for renal pelvis or calyceal stones) Used for radiolucent or ESWL-resistant stones < 2 cm; the scope is passed... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. How long does it take for the stone fragments to pass after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  2. How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?
  3. How many days of rest are needed after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  4. How long does it usually take for a stone lodged in the urethra to come out?
  5. How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  6. Is it a myth that pumpkin vines can cure stones?

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

Related articles：

  1. How many days of rest are needed after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  2. How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  3. Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?
  4. How long does it usually take for a stone lodged in the urethra to come out?
  5. How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?
  6. Main Clinical Manifestations of Lithiasis

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

Related articles：

  1. How long does it take for the stone fragments to pass after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  2. How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  3. How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?
  4. Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?
  5. Where in the human body can stones (calculi) form?
  6. Is it a myth that pumpkin vines can cure stones?

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

Related articles：

  1. How many days of rest are needed after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  2. How long does it take for the stone fragments to pass after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  3. Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?
  4. How is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?
  5. Can patients with stones eat yogurt?
  6. Is it a myth that pumpkin vines can cure stones?