Kidney Stone Removal Laser Lithotripsy

Surgical options for patients with symptomatic kidney stones include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy eswl ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy pcnl.

Kidney stone removal laser lithotripsy.

What is shock wave lithotripsy. Recovery time for laser lithotripsy is significantly less than with an open surgery. You may feel the urge to go even if you don t need to. Side effects from laser lithotripsy are not common but may include excessive bleeding urinary tract infections and subsequent scarring.

Laser lithotripsy is a way to treat kidney stones. For several hours after the procedure you may have a burning feeling when you urinate. Pcnl uses a small tube to reach the stone and break it up with high frequency sound waves. Your renal anatomy stone composition and body habitus all play major roles in determining outcomes and operative approach.

Drinking a lot of water can help. Shock wave lithotripsy swl is the most common treatment for kidney stones in the u s. Laser is more effective even on complex stones. If your stone is large or lithotripsy doesn t break it up enough this surgery is an option.

The remaining particles of small stone will exit the body when a. Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shock waves or a laser to break down stones in the kidney gallbladder or ureter. Lt is sometimes called eswl. Kidney stones affect 1 in 500 americans each year causing significant pain and healthcare expense.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Shock waves from outside the body are targeted at a kidney stone causing the stone to fragment. The stones are broken into tiny pieces.