Risks of Lithotripsy
While lithotripsy is generally considered a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of. These include:
- Bleeding around the kidney: In some cases, lithotripsy may cause bleeding around the kidney. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen.
- Kidney damage: Although uncommon, there is a slight risk of kidney damage during the lithotripsy procedure. This risk is higher in patients who have pre-existing kidney problems.
- Blockage of urine flow: In certain instances, lithotripsy can successfully break apart kidney stones, but the fragments may block the flow of urine. This can lead to discomfort and necessitate additional treatments.
- Retained stone fragments: Sometimes, despite the successful fragmentation of the stones, some small pieces may remain inside the body. These fragments may require further intervention to be completely removed.
It is important for patients to discuss any concerns or potential risks with their healthcare provider before undergoing lithotripsy. This will help ensure that they are fully informed about the procedure and its potential complications.
Contraindications
There are certain circumstances in which lithotripsy may not be suitable for individuals with kidney stones, even if the stones are located correctly and are of the appropriate size. Pregnant patients, those who take blood thinners, and individuals with chronic kidney infections should not undergo lithotripsy. Additionally, patients with scarring in the ureters should avoid this procedure as the scarring may hinder the passage of stone fragments. Moreover, the composition of the stone itself plays a role, as stones made of cystine and calcium do not break down as effectively.