Lithotripsy M1400
Description: Extracorporeal fragmentation of calculus of kidney (lithotripsy)
Code: M1400
Lithotripsy is a way of breaking up kidney stones so they are in small enough pieces to pass out in the urine without the need for an operation. The stones are shattered by shockwaves that are produced and focused on the stone by the Lithotripter machine. You will have an X-ray or ultrasound scan at the start of your treatment, so that we can tell exactly where your stone is and accurately direct the shockwaves on to it. During the treatment the stone will be monitored.
You may require more than one treatment as not all stones break up enough in one session. Each session takes half an hour to forty minutes and you will need to lie still during the treatment.
Most people do not find the treatment painful although they are aware of the treatment being given. We recommend that you take painkillers on the morning and afternoon of your treatment (Paracetamol). We will also send you a prescripiton for a stronger painkiller, Diclofenac, in a suppository form which should be used half an hour before your treatment starts. Feel free to bring your own music CD, MP3 or Ipod to listen to during the treatment.
Afterwards
Over the following 2-3 days you may experience some pain or discomfort as the stone fragments and small blood clots come out in your urine. This is quite normal and you should not worry. It is very important that you drink an extra 2-3 pints of fluid on top of your normal intake to help flush out the blood and stone fragments.
If the pain becomes severe, or the bleeding persists constantly for more than 3 days, or you get a high temperature or shivering attack after the treatment, it is a sign that you have an infection and this should be dealt with immediately. You should contact your own doctor in the first instance, as they will be nearby.
Following each treatment we will routinely write to your doctor so that they are kept fully informed of your progress.
If you have any other queries or concerns please do not hesitate to ask any of the staff either when you come for your treatment
or by telephoning Cathy O’Neill, Specialist Radiographer at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on 0118 3228517 or 0118 3228310
or contact Mr Kumar’s secretary Jessica Lodge on 0118 9028092
For our charge for this procedure please see our Price List
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