Definition
Electrohydraulic lithotripsy is one of many methods to treat kidney stones or bile stones. It uses an electrohydraulic device with a flexible probe to deliver electricity that breaks apart the stones.
Reasons for Procedure
Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that:
- Are too large to pass
- Cause constant pain
- Block the flow of urine
- Cause an ongoing infection
- Damage surrounding tissue
- Cause bleeding
This procedure can also be used to remove stones in the bile duct or the pancreatic duct.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Damage or irritation to tissue or surrounding structures
- Blood in the urine
- Infection
- Pain as the stone fragments pass
- Failure of stone fragments to pass, requiring additional surgery
- Need for more treatments
- Reaction to anesthesia
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Bleeding disorders or taking medications that reduce blood clotting
- Smoking
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Blood and urine tests
- Imaging studies to find the location of the stone
Other things to remember before the procedure:
- Arrange for a ride home from the care center.
- If instructed by your doctor, do not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure. These medications may include:
- Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin
- Anti-platelets, such as clopidogrel
Anesthesia
General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep during the procedure. You will not feel any pain.
Description of the Procedure
Your doctor will place a tiny flexible probe through your urethra and up the ureter toward the stone. The probe has two electrodes at the end. Images will help the doctor locate the stone. After the stone is located, the doctor will use the device. An electrical spark will break the stone. A special basket or forceps may be used to grab the stone fragments and remove them. The stone fragments may be allowed to pass in the urine.
Depending on the size of the stone, more than one probe may be used. A stent may be placed in the ureter. It will help protect the lining while the stone fragments pass or damage is being repaired.
There may be fragments that are too large to pass after the procedure. These can be treated again with lithotripsy.
How Long Will It Take?
30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the stone
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. There may be some pain and discomfort afterward as the broken stones pass. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.
Average Hospital Stay
This procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting. In most cases, there will be no hospital stay.
Post-procedure Care
- You will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia.
- Pain medication will be given.
- You may be asked to get up and walk around before leaving the care center.
Follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
- Drinking plenty of water in the weeks after the procedure. This will help the stone pieces to pass.
- Resuming daily activities within one to two days.
- You may experience some pain. Take pain medication as directed to manage any discomfort.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Inability to urinate
- Excess blood in your urine
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you were given
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Adrienne Carmack, MD; Brian Randall, MD
- Review Date: 05/2013 -
- Update Date: 05/22/2013 -
