What To Expect

Before Your Treatment

What you need to know about preparing for lithotripsy:

• Some lab tests will be required, which will vary depending on your age, existing medical conditions, and medications that you’re currently taking.
• Your doctor will provide you with instructions, including limitations on eating and drinking, as well as medications to discontinue, prior to treatment.
• Since you’ll be under general anesthesia for your treatment, you’ll need to pre-arrange for a friend or family member to take you home.

During Your Treatment

What you can expect during your lithotripsy treatment:

• For maximum comfort, you’ll lie on a water-filled bed.
• You’ll be given general anesthesia so that you’re comfortably asleep.
• We’ll use X-rays to precisely locate your stone just prior to treatment.
• Your urologist will then use the lithotripter to direct high-energy sound waves through your body to break up the stone into small pieces.
• Throughout the procedure, your urologist will monitor the fragmentation of your kidney stone, using highly specialized video x-ray equipment.
• Treatment typically lasts 30-45 minutes, after which you’ll remain in the recovery area until your anesthesia wears off.

After Your Treatment

During your recovery, you may experience:

• Discomfort for the first few days in the kidney area 
• Minor bruising on your back where the waves passed through your skin
• Some blood tinges in your urine for the first 24-48 hours after treatment
• Passing of stone fragments, typically within 24 hours but sometimes longer

You may resume a light to normal diet, as you feel hungry. Be sure to drink at least one to two quarts of water daily and avoid alcohol for the first 24-48 hours. If you experience a fever, uncontrollable pain or vomiting, contact your doctor right away.

Preventing Future Kidney Stones

After your procedure, it’s very important to follow a kidney-friendly diet to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones. Below are some suggested dietary guidelines to follow:

• Stay hydrated, ideally drinking one to two quarts of water daily.
• Avoid oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, beets, tea, chocolate, strawberries, nuts).
• Reduce sodium intake to 2-3 grams/day.
• Avoid processed foods (hot dogs, deli meats, etc.).
• Eat meat in moderation, limiting to 4-6 ounces daily.
• Increase consumption of citrus, particularly lemons.

Following your lithotripsy procedure, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a registered dietician who can help you create the right diet plan for you, unique to your needs. Learn more about our Nutrition Services.