What are the complications?
It is likely that you will pass a small amount of blood in your urine for a few days after treatment. You may also experience some bruising on your back and an excessive need to urinate.
You will be warned to watch for symptoms of infections such as fever and excessive pain. It is important to drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush out the stone fragments following treatment.
If you get symptoms of infection or if the pain is severe and persistent, please get in touch with either your GP or attend the accident and emergency department in your local hospital.
How long do you need to stay off work?
The length of time between your return to work following this type of operation will depend on the type of work you do. Ask your consultant for advice with regards to returning to work and completing household activities.
Due to the sedative medications given driving should be avoided for 24 hours after the procedure.
Following Lithotripsy, stone fragments may pass in your urine and may result in pain.
When do you come back for follow up treatment?
Fragmented kidney stones may take a few weeks to pass in the urine. You will be asked to return for follow up in the clinic. For larger stones, you may need this treatment more than once. On follow up visits, fragmentation and clearance of the stone will be checked by x-rays and further action may be planned based on the results.
It is important that you make a list of all medicines you are taking and bring it with you to all your follow-up clinic appointments. If you have any questions at all, please ask your surgeon, or nurse.
It may help to write down questions as you think of them so that you have them ready. It may also help to bring someone with you when attending your outpatient appointments.
Authors – Consultant Urologist Panel West Midland Stone Network