Lithotripsy uses externally generated shock waves to disintegrate kidney stones into smaller granules that can pass through urine. It is a common alternative to surgery for treating kidney stones, offering advantages like no incisions or lengthy hospital stays, though some discomfort may occur. The document outlines how lithotripsy works, who should not receive it, and what patients experience during the procedure.

1. LithotripsyLithotripsy
Kidney stones originate as a small grain in the kidney or upper urinaryKidney stones originate as a small grain in the kidney or upper urinary
tract and gradually grow larger as compounds in the urine chemicallytract and gradually grow larger as compounds in the urine chemically
attach to the stone. Though most stones are fairly small, some canattach to the stone. Though most stones are fairly small, some can
grow to more than an inch in diameter.grow to more than an inch in diameter.
Statistics show that kidney stone disease can affect as much as two toStatistics show that kidney stone disease can affect as much as two to
three percent of the adult population. Nevertheless, what causes kidneythree percent of the adult population. Nevertheless, what causes kidney
stone formation is not clearly understood.stone formation is not clearly understood.
In the past, surgery or drug therapies were the treatments for kidneyIn the past, surgery or drug therapies were the treatments for kidney
stones. Today urologists can offer alternatives such as lithotripsy.stones. Today urologists can offer alternatives such as lithotripsy.

2. KidneysKidneys

3. What is lithotripsy?What is lithotripsy?
 Lithotripsy is a Greek word meaning "stoneLithotripsy is a Greek word meaning "stone
crusher" which precisely describes the technique.crusher" which precisely describes the technique.
Externally generated shock waves harmlesslyExternally generated shock waves harmlessly
penetrate body tissues, but provide enoughpenetrate body tissues, but provide enough
pressure on a kidney stone to disintegrate it intopressure on a kidney stone to disintegrate it into
smaller granules. These granules are small enoughsmaller granules. These granules are small enough
to be passed with urine.to be passed with urine.

4. Who should not have lithotripsy?Who should not have lithotripsy?
 Almost everyone canAlmost everyone can
have lithotripsy. However,have lithotripsy. However,
there are a fewthere are a few
exceptions:exceptions:
 People who weigh morePeople who weigh more
than 300 poundsthan 300 pounds
 Are pregnantAre pregnant
 Have bleeding problemsHave bleeding problems
 Have non-workingHave non-working
kidneyskidneys
 Have pacemakersHave pacemakers
 People who cannot havePeople who cannot have
anaesthesia or x-rays.anaesthesia or x-rays.

5. What are the advantages andWhat are the advantages and
disadvantages of lithotripsy?disadvantages of lithotripsy?
 The advantages are:The advantages are:
 No lengthy hospital stays;No lengthy hospital stays;
 No incisions;No incisions;
 No surgery;No surgery;
 No lengthy recoveryNo lengthy recovery
periods.periods.
 The disadvantages are:The disadvantages are:
 Some discomfort.Some discomfort.
 Medicine to preventMedicine to prevent
infection.infection.
 Passing sand-likePassing sand-like
particles in the urine for aparticles in the urine for a
few weeks after thefew weeks after the
lithotripsy.lithotripsy.

6. During LithotripsyDuring Lithotripsy
 Sometimes the doctor will prescribe a sedativeSometimes the doctor will prescribe a sedative
to relax the patient.to relax the patient.
 They will be put on the lithotripsy table and an x-They will be put on the lithotripsy table and an x-
ray will be taken to see where the stone is.ray will be taken to see where the stone is.
 Then, the lithotripsy machine will be put againstThen, the lithotripsy machine will be put against
the side of the body close to the stone.the side of the body close to the stone.
 The doctor will send sound waves through theThe doctor will send sound waves through the
body to crush the stones. This does not hurt.body to crush the stones. This does not hurt.
 A tapping sound can be heard as the stonesA tapping sound can be heard as the stones
break.break.

7. ActivityActivity
 You are the nurse inYou are the nurse in
charge of out-charge of out-
patients.patients.
 Prepare a leaflet forPrepare a leaflet for
the patient who is tothe patient who is to
undergo lithotripsyundergo lithotripsy