Established in 1987, the Lithotripsy Centre has enjoyed a good reputation for its quality stone management services. Our patients are treated with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, the best available technology for kidney and ureteral stone removal. The advantages of this non surgical treatment include high success rate, safety, short treatment time and short recovery period.
Our experienced urologists, radiologists and radiographers are dedicated to taking good care of you with expertise and the use of state-of-the-art equipment.
About Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?
ESWL is the best available technology and the most common method for treating kidney and ureteral stones. Surgery is not required. During the procedure, the patient will lie comfortably on the treatment table of the lithotripter. As soon as the stone is located with X-ray or Ultrasound, high energy shock waves will be focused on the stone to break it into tiny fragments. The stone fragments are then passed out of the body spontaneously as sandy particles in urine.
Advantages
- Safe
- No need for surgery
- Mild sedation required only
- Short treatment time
- Short recovery period
- High success rate of almost 90%
Is it suitable for all stone patients?
It is suitable for most patients with kidney or ureteral stones with a few exceptions:
- Depending on the size, number, location and composition of stones and whether there are anatomical abnormalities, some patients may be more suitable for other forms of treatment.
- Lithotripsy must not be performed during pregnancy.
About Stones
What are stones?
They are little rocks formed in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladders and urethra) from salts or minerals in urine. The most common ones are calcium, uric acid, phosphate and cystine-based stones.
The stones vary in size. In most cases, they are too tiny to be noticed and pass harmlessly out of the body. However, they can build up inside the urinary tract and form larger stones. If a stone moves along the urinary tract with the flow of urine, it can cause severe pain. Stones may become large enough to block the flow of urine, causing pressure, pain and infection.
Recurrence is common among stone patients. If untreated, stones may cause permanent damage to the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system.
Why do stones form?
Stones form when any of the above salts or minerals that are normally found in urine becomes out of balance, either because they are large in volume or because there is decreased urine volume. When this balance is disturbed, the salt or mineral is found in urine in high concentrations, and the excess remains in the urinary tract to form crystals, which eventually aggregate to each other to form stones.
Factors that can contribute to stone formation:
- Excessive intake of any of the above salts or minerals;
- Too little fluid intake;
- Misuse of certain medications (e.g. diuretics, antacids and thyroid medications);
- Chronic urinary tract infections;
- Urinary tract blockage;
- Certain genetic and metabolic diseases.
What are the symptoms?
Many stones are too small to cause symptoms.
If a stone causes a blockage or moves down the urinary tract, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Pain in the back on one or both sides;
- Spasms of intense pain (anywhere between the bottom of the ribs and the groin);
- Bloody, cloudy or smelly urine;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- A frequent urge to urinate;
- A burning sensation during urination;
- Fever or chills.
These symptoms can also indicate a urinary tract infection. Please consult your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.
Can stones be prevented?
Yes. Strong medical evidence suggests that a high fluid intake may reduce the risk of stone formation. In addition, once the composition and cause of the stone is found, your doctor may recommend medications or dietary changes to help preventing stone recurrence. If stone formation is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment. |
