What are the dangers of extracorporeal lithotripsy?

Extracorporeal lithotripsy is a common method of treating kidney stones. It uses sound waves to break up the stones, making them easier to pass out of the body. However, many people may worry about the harm this treatment method may bring. In fact, extracorporeal lithotripsy is relatively safe, but there are some things to be aware of.

Extracorporeal lithotripsy may cause mild pain and discomfort. This pain is usually caused by the sound waves and is similar to the feeling of being snapped by a rubber band. Most of the time, this pain is short-lived and can be relieved by rest and pain medication. If you are very sensitive to pain, your doctor may recommend a local anesthetic or mild sedative.

Some people may experience blood in their urine after extracorporeal lithotripsy. This is because the sound waves not only break up the stones, but may also cause minor damage to the kidneys and urinary tract. However, blood in the urine usually disappears on its own within a few days and does not cause long-term health effects. If blood in the urine persists for a long time or is accompanied by other discomfort, you should see a doctor immediately.

Another point to note is that extracorporeal lithotripsy may not remove all stones in one treatment. Especially for larger or harder stones, multiple treatments may be needed to completely remove them. Stone fragments after lithotripsy may cause obstruction in the urinary tract, leading to renal colic or urinary tract infection. Doctors usually recommend drinking plenty of water to help expel stone fragments.

Although there are some potential risks in extracorporeal lithotripsy, these risks can be controlled under the guidance of professional doctors. In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, it is very important to choose an experienced medical institution and doctor. At the same time, following the doctor's advice for postoperative care can also effectively reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.

Extracorporeal lithotripsy is an effective and relatively safe method for treating kidney stones, but you should also be aware of the discomfort and risks it may bring. When deciding whether to undergo extracorporeal lithotripsy, it is best to discuss it in detail with your doctor, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the treatment plan that best suits you. I hope this information can help you better understand the relevant knowledge of extracorporeal lithotripsy.