Why Is Lithotripsy Preferred For Removing Kidney Stone?

Kidneys are instrumental organs that play a major role in flushing out toxins from the body. Stone like formations happen in the kidneys because of variety of reasons like lack of adequate water consumption, urinary infections etc. This disorder is one of the few kidney diseases affecting people of any age. Lithotripsy is one of the kidney stone removal technique. Read on to find out more about lithotripsy, why is it a preferred technique for stone removal and the after-care steps for recovery post this surgery.

What is lithotripsy?

Also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, Percutaneous Lithotripsy and Renal Calculi Lithotripsy. This surgery technique makes use of high-energy shock waves for dissolving stones in kidney, gallbladder and liver.

How is a lithotripsy done?

A lithotripter is a machine that can pass high energy shock waves. It is used for introducing those waves in the body so as to crush the kidney stones into small crystal like shapes. When the stones are converted to crystals they are easily eliminated from the body through urine. This is a pretty painless procedure which lasts for upto an hour. A DJ-stent is fitted in the ureter for a day for facilitating passage of stones. The stent is taken out after a day.

What makes lithotripsy a preferred method for removal of kidney stones?

Lithotripsy is basically a laser technique and is a preferred method for removal of kidney stones for reasons listed below:

1. Recovery period:

Lithotripsy does not involve any incisions or cuts made on the body. This makes the recovery time from surgery less and recuperation swifter.

2. Infection free method:

Since lithotripsy does not require the surgeon to make any incisions, the question of causing infections to internal organs through exposure to air or sharp instruments is erased.

3. No hospital stay:

Lithotripsy does not require hospital stay as it is performed on an out-patient basis.

4. Abdominal muscles:

Abdominal muscles do not stand to get harmed because laser techniques are harmless and benign.

5. Healing of incision:

In an open surgery, a large incision is made starting from the kidney to the navel, this makes the muscles present there rigid. Open surgeries aren't favorable for long-term as well. This does not occur if lithotripsy is done because it is an incision-less procedure.

6. Pain-free surgery:

Lithotripsy makes use of laser light which makes it a painless procedure for people having to undergo it. Also a general anesthesia is administered to the patient which puts him to sleep and makes him oblivious to pain.

The after-care precautions in case of undergoing a lithotripsy are not cumbersome. They are very easy to follow. If followed properly they can keep the stones from recurring and safeguarding the patient's health. Since this surgery reduces recovery time it is a preferred method for patients suffering from kidney stones. Here are few after-care instructions to follow to have a speedier recovery post a lithotripsy:

Pain medication-

The doctor may prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammation medication for eliminating any pain you experience in recovery period

Adequate water-

Drink lots of water to promote passage of stones through urine. Also fluid intake that consists of soups, broths and fruit juices is also instrumental in elimination of stones from the body.

High fiber diet-

Your diet should also consist of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and sources of high fibers. Follow the diet chart given to you by the doctor.

Lithotripsy is a simplistic surgical technique to get rid of kidney stones that cause intense stomach ache and discomfort. To sum it up, all the benefits it gets with itself makes lithotripsy a preferred method for kidney stone treatment.

You can find list of cities in india that provide lithotripsy surgery along with their respective prices here

Puja Rastogi is a Medical Writer and contributor to healthprice.in. she has 3 years of experience in writing articles on Health. puja likes to share information related to health.