Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Robotic Surgery Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Lithotripsy - Risks

Alternative Names

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; Shock wave lithotripsy; Laser lithotripsy; Percutaneous lithotripsy; Endoscopic lithotripsy; ESWL

Risks:

Lithotripsy is generally safe. Ask your doctor about these possible complications.

  • Pieces of stone are left in your body. You may need more treatments.
  • Bleeding around your kidney may require a blood transfusion.
  • Your kidney(s) may not work as well, or they may stop working, after the procedure.
  • You may get ulcers in your stomach or small intestine.
  • Pieces of the stone may block urine flow from your kidney. This may cause severe pain or damage to your kidney.
  • Kidney infection may occur.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/15/2009
  • Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lingeman JE, Matlaga BR, Evan AP. Surgical management of upper urinary tract calculi. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007:chap 44.

Wen CC, Nakada SY. Treatment selection and outcomes: renal calculi. Urol Clin North Am. 2007;34(3):409-419.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com