Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. These hard deposits form in the kidneys leading to severe pain, especially when passing through the urinary tract. Fortunately, several treatments are available to manage kidney stones, one of the most effective being Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL). At Zymus Hospital, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art care for kidney stone management, and SWL is one of our critical treatments.
What is Shock Wave Lithotripsy?
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive procedure, it uses high-energy shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be passed more easily through the urinary tract and out of the body. SWL is particularly effective for stones less than 2 centimetres in diameter.
How Does Shock Wave Lithotripsy Work?
The procedure involves using a lithotripter, which generates shock waves. During the treatment:
- Preparation: The patient lies on a unique table, and the area around the kidney stone is carefully positioned.
- Shock Wave Generation: The lithotripter directs focused shock waves at the kidney stone through the body.
- Stone Fragmentation: The shock waves pass through the skin and tissues, reaching the stone and causing it to break into smaller, sand-like particles.
- Passing the Fragments: These small particles pass through the urinary tract over the next few days or weeks and are excreted from the body.
Benefits of Shock Wave Lithotripsy
There are several benefits to choosing SWL for kidney stone management:
- Non-invasive: Unlike surgical methods, SWL requires no incisions or direct access to the stone.
- Minimal Recovery Time: Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
- Practical: SWL is highly effective for stones less than 2 centimetres in size.
- Outpatient Procedure: The treatment is usually outpatient, meaning no overnight hospital stay is required.
Who is a Good Candidate for Shock Wave Lithotripsy?
SWL is suitable for many patients with kidney stones, but not everyone. Ideal candidates typically have:
- Stones are less than 2 centimetres in diameter.
- Stones are located in the kidney or upper ureter.
- Good overall health without significant obesity (as excessive body fat can interfere with the effectiveness of the shock waves).
The Procedure: What to Expect
Before the Procedure:
- Consultation: Consulting with your urologist will help determine if SWL is suitable for you. This process involves imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to locate and measure the stones.
- Preparation: You may be advised to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Instructions on fasting before the procedure will also be provided.
During the Procedure:
- Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia is usually administered to ensure comfort. This could be general anaesthesia (where you are asleep) or local anaesthesia (where the area is numbed).
- Positioning: You will be placed on the lithotripsy table, and the machine will be adjusted to precisely target the kidney stone.
- Shock Waves: The procedure usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, during which you will feel a series of pulsations as the shock waves target the stone.
After the Procedure:
- Recovery: You will spend a short period in recovery to ensure the anaesthesia wears off safely.
- Discharge: Most patients are discharged the same day with instructions on what to do at home.
- Passing Stones: Over the next few days to weeks, you will pass the stone fragments in your urine. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help this process.
Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up
After the procedure, follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the stones have been effectively fragmented and passed. You may have imaging tests to confirm this. It’s also essential to:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the stone fragments.
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of infection or complications and report them to your doctor.
- Follow Dietary Advice: Depending on the type of kidney stones you have, your doctor may recommend dietary changes to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Zymus Hospital?
At Zymus Hospital, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all the patients. Our team of experienced urologists and medical staff are dedicated to offering the best possible outcomes for kidney stone management. With advanced technology and a patient-centred approach, we ensure you receive top-notch care from consultation through recovery.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is suffering from kidney stones, don’t wait. Contact Zymus Hospital today to schedule a consultation and learn how Shock Wave Lithotripsy can help you find relief. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, making sure that you receive the highest quality care.
By choosing Zymus Hospital, you’re choosing a trusted partner in your health journey. Let us help you get back to a pain-free life. Call us today to make an appointment!
