ESWL uses shockwaves to break a kidney stone into small pieces that may pass through the urinary system without difficulty. This is done under general anesthesia. You are placed on a water filled cushion, where the kidney stone is localized with fluoroscopy and treated with shockwaves. This is an outpatient procedure that usually requires one hour. You can then go home and resume most of your usual activities.

You have been scheduled for ESWL for the treatment of your kidney stone. This is going to be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. Successful treatments the following:

1. Prior to your treatment you will be required to either see your primary care physician, or have some preoperative evaluation and testing.
2. Starting at lunch the day before the treatment, you should start on clear liquids (Jell-O, clear broth, and clear liquids). It is important that you drink plenty of liquids.
3. The evening before the procedure, you should use a laxative. ½ bottle of magnesium citrate or 2 Ducolax tablets are the best.
4. Nothing to eat or drink after Midnight.
5. The morning (approximately 2 hours) before the procedure, use a Fleets Enema.
6. If you have any X-rays, please bring them with you.

After the treatment, it is important that you drink plenty of fluids and be as active as possible. You will need to strain you urine for a few days, or until you retrieve some stone fragments. Please bring these to the office when you have your office visit. You will need to be seen in the office by one of our physicians 3 to 7 days after the procedure.

You can expect to have a bruise on your back or side. This can be treated with warm soaks if necessary. You will have bleeding in your urine for a few days. If a stent is placed, you may have some burning when you urinate, and some increased pain in your back with urination.

Antibiotics, pain medications, and anti nausea medication will be given to you. If you have a fever greater than 101.5F, severe pain, or uncontrolled nausea, you will need to go the Emergency Room. If necessary, call our physician on call, and he will tell you which emergency room to go to.