PROCEDURES
KIDNEYS
NEPHRECTOMY
PCNL FOR STONE DISEASE
SWL FOR STONE DISEASE
URETEROSCOPY & LITHOTRIPSY FOR STONE DISEASE
SWL FOR STONE DISEASE
OVERVIEW
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive option if you have smaller kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own. While SWL is not indicated for very large kidney stones, the treatment is typically prescribed for smaller stones that are not dense or very hard, and which are not located in the lower pole of the kidney.
Shock wave lithotripsy uses high-energy shock waves to breakdown stones into stone dust or pieces of stones that are small enough to pass with urine. During the treatment, an X-ray is utilised to locate the stone or stones within the kidney.
SWL is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately one hour to perform. You may receive local anaesthesia or a sedative for your comfort during the procedure. In cases where the stone is blocking the ureter, you may have a stent placed to open up the urinary tract to allow for the stone fragments and urine to pass through following SWL.
High energy shock waves are then delivered through the body to the stone. These shock waves break up the stone or stones into very small particles that can then be passed through the urinary system. Dr Singh will determine if a stent is necessary after viewing the X-ray images.
After surgery, you'll be taken to the recovery ward where you'll be monitored for approximately two hours before you are sent back home. You may resume daily activities within one or two days. After surgery, you will have blood in your urine, possibly accompanied by abdominal pains for several days, as shattered pieces of stones make their way out of your body. Dr Singh will prescribe oral pain medication, and you'll be required to drink lots of water to flush out any remaining pieces of stones in your kidney.
