Lithotripsy is a treatment for stones that have formed in the bladder,
kidney, gallbladder, or ureters. These stones are made up of hard,
small mineral deposits in the body. They can cause very serious
problems such as obstructions, infections, and dangerous bleeding.
While they can be serious, they are also, unfortunately, very common.
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information
Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), kidney stones caused more than 1.3 million
health care visits in 1997, and more than a quarter million
hospitalizations in 1999. The NKUDIC also says that in the United
States, an estimated 10 percent of people will be affected by kidney
stones. Men are more likely than women to be affected, also.
The most common treatment for stones is called extracorporeal shock
wave lithotripsy, or ESWL. Lithotripsy literally means "breaking
stones." The stones are broken up, or crushed, by high-energy shock
waves created outside the body. The machine used to deliver the shock
waves is called a Lithotripter. Once the stones have been crushed into
smaller stones called "gravel" they can usually easily be passed
through the body during urination. For very large stones, more than one
treatment may be necessary.
The procedure is done on an out-patient basis in about an hour, and is
relatively painless. A few tests will be performed beforehand, such as
an x-ray to determine the size and location of the stones, routine
blood and urine tests, and if the patient is over 50 years old or at
risk, an electrocardiogram. The patient will also be asked to not take
any blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, for a few days before
the procedure. Patients recover quickly, and can resume normal daily
activities as soon as they feel able. Some minor abdominal discomfort
may result, but can be remedied with an over-the-counter, non-aspirin
based pain medication, or with a prescription from their doctor.
Patients will be warned to watch for symptoms of infection or
complication. Some of the symptoms to look out for are an excessive
need to urinate, blood in the urine, high fever, and excessive pain. It
is common, however, for patients to have a small amount of blood in
their urine for a few days after treatment. Patients may also
experience some bruising on their back. It is very important to drink
plenty of water afterwards to help flush out the stone fragments after
treatment, as well.
There are certain factors that would prohibit lithotripsy treatment
such as the patient weighing over 300 pounds, if they have
blood-clotting problems, pregnancy, having a pacemaker, or if they are
allergic to anesthesia. There may be other factors as well that your
doctor will take into consideration before performing the procedure.
While ESWL is the most common form of lithotripsy treatment, there are
other variations such as endoscopic lithotripsy, and electrohydraulic
lithotripsy. Endoscopic lithotripsy involves inserting a small
instrument into the ureter through the bladder to break up the stones.
Electrohydraulic lithotripsy also involves inserting a small instrument
into the ureter, but uses an electric shock to break up the stones.
Prevention is most beneficial for a person that is at-risk for
developing stones. A person who is at-risk would be someone who has had
stones in the past, someone with a family history of stones, or someone
who is prone to urinary tract infections or disorders.
Hyperparathyroidism and certain other metabolic disorders may also be
linked to the development of stones. There are many factors that should
be taken into consideration, and they should all be discussed with a
person's doctor if they suspect having a predisposition to developing
stones.
Steps can also be taken to prevent the stones from forming in the first
place. The first, and most important step, would be to drink plenty of
liquids, especially water. Foods and drinks that contain a large amount
of oxalate such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and soda should be avoided
or limited.
If a person suspects having any kind of stones, or experiences painful
symptoms, they should contact their doctor immediately. As with any
medical treatment, there is always the possibility of complications.
Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of every medical
procedure thoroughly with their doctor beforehand.
|
|
