Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-surgical approach for treating kidney and ureter stones. Instead, high-energy shock waves are delivered through the body and utilized to smash stones down to the size of grains of sand. Because of their tiny size, these fragments can travel through the body with the urine.
Shock wave therapy may be used to remove stones in two ways. One treatment involves placing the patient in a tub of lukewarm water. The body is positioned such that the stones are accurately targeted using x-rays or ultrasound to detect the location of the stones. The patient in the second, more popular approach rests on top of a soft cushion or membrane through which the waves flow. To smash the stones, around 1-2 thousand shock waves are required. The entire treatment takes 45 to 60 minutes.
What are the pros and cons?
The key benefit of this treatment is that it allows many individuals to be treated for kidney stones without requiring surgery. Complications, hospital stays, expenditures, and recovery time are all decreased as a consequence. Unfortunately, not all kidney stones can be treated in this manner. Furthermore, stone pieces are occasionally left in the body, necessitating extra therapy.
For a few days, most patients have blood in their urine. As the fractured stone fragments move through the urinary system, they may cause pain. When a stone is not entirely broken, more treatments may be required.
Is this treatment applicable for all kidney stones?
No, the size, quantity, placement, and nature of the stones are all considerations to consider when considering treatment choices. The water bath approach may be limited by patient size, whereas the water cushion approach may be used on patients of all sizes. The x-ray monitor must also be able to see the stones for the shock waves to be targeted precisely. If anatomical anomalies preclude this, alternative stone removal treatments may have to be investigated. The doctor can determine whether this is the best treatment for the patient through examination, x-rays, and other testing. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy may be coupled with other kinds of therapy in some circumstances.
How successful is it?
Within three months of treatment, around 70 to 90 percent of individuals deemed to be strong candidates for this therapy are found to be stone-free. Patients with movable stones in the upper sections of the urinary system seemed to have the best success rates (kidney and upper ureter). Some individuals may still retain stone particles that are too big to pass after therapy. If symptoms linger, these can be treated again.
Are there any other options?
Approximately 90% of stones travel through the urinary system unnoticed. If this does not occur, therapy to remove stones may be required. Medicines may dissolve certain stones. In other circumstances, one of the following stone removal procedures may be required:
Percutaneous Stone Removal: When stones are particularly big (greater than 2 cm) or in a place where lithotripsy is ineffective, a procedure known as percutaneous stone removal may be employed. The surgeon uses this approach to make a tiny incision in the back and construct a tunnel directly into the kidney. A tube is inserted, and the stone is extracted via it.
Ureteroscopic Stone Removal: When stones are discovered in the lower urinary system, the doctor may insert a ureteroscope (a hollow tube-like instrument) into the bladder and ureter. To grip and extract the stone, a basket-like device can be inserted through the tube.
How to prevent kidney stones?
People who have had many kidney stones are more prone to have another. A 24-hour urine sample may be requested from the patient to establish the likely source of stones. Once the reason has been identified, the doctor may advise you to drink extra liquids, make dietary adjustments, or take medication.
Lithotripsy cost in Delhi
In Delhi, lithotripsy will cost roughly Rs. 30,000 to 88,000. If you book through Credihealth, the fee can be reduced by a certain amount. Credihealth gives you easy access to all of the information you need in one place. You may compare the expenses of the operation at several institutions and choose a doctor who you feel would be the best fit for you. With a few mouse clicks, you can get to all of this information. Appointment scheduling and online consultations may also be facilitated through Credihealth. You can get your post-surgery medications without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
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