Kidney stones are composed of substances (like calcium) that are present in the urine. A kidney stone forms when high levels of these substances crystallize into a mass.
Most kidney stones are located in the kidney but may move into the ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder). Most kidney stones can pass by themselves. But when a kidney stone is too big to move through (or gets stuck inside) the urinary tract. Pain during a ‘kidney stone attack’ is typically due to a stone getting stuck in the ureter and blocking drainage of urine from the kidney. Kidney stones may cause health issues, such as kidney damage, blood in the urine, or a severe infection. In these cases, treatment can help you safely get rid of kidney stones and feel better.
Shock wave lithotripsy usually works well with the smaller stones inside the kidney or upper part of the ureter (urine tube). The urologist considers the stone’s size, and medical conditions (including the body structure of the patient before deciding the treatment
Shock wave lithotripsy treatment is suggested when;
- Are too large to pass on their own (larger than 5 millimeters in diameter — about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Block urine flow.
- Are very painful.
You may not be a good candidate for shock wave lithotripsy if you have:
- Hard stones: Kidney stones that are more difficult to break up with shock wave lithotripsy like cystine or certain types of calcium stones
- Pregnancy: People who are or could be pregnant should not have lithotripsy. The shock waves may harm a fetus.
- Infected kidney stone: An infected kidney stone stuck in the ureter should not be treated with shock wave lithotripsy.
- Special medical needs: Shock wave lithotripsy should not be used in medical conditions that result in an increased risk of bleeding, such as blood thinners usage, due to the risk of severe bleeding from the kidney.
- Very large kidney stones: Shock wave lithotripsy works best on small kidney stones. Your provider may recommend another treatment for kidney stones over 1-2 centimeters in diameter.