How to Smash Kidney Stones

According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are salt and mineral deposits that result in the formation of stone-like objects in the urinary tract system. Kidney stones can become large and are universally painful; however, in most situations, medical help is not required. Several different options are available if treatment is warranted; one of the most popular is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Sound waves are used to blast large kidney stones into several smaller pieces, allowing them to pass out of the body naturally.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor before deciding on a course of action. Your physician can examine you and determine the best course of treatment, which may be ESWL.

• 2

  A doctor at an outpatient facility will explain the details and perform the procedure.

• 3

  During the procedure, you will lie down on a water-filled cushion as the doctor performs an X-ray to determine the exact location of the kidney stone. This should take no longer than a few minutes.

• 4

  After the location of the stone has been identified, sound waves will be directed at it for roughly an hour. You may be given local anesthesia to help with any pain and make you more comfortable, says Quest Diagnostics.

• 5

  Following the ESWL treatment, you will be sent home. It may be several days or weeks before the pieces of the stone pass naturally out of the body.

• 6

  Possible complications after the procedure are continued pain with passing the stone or blockage of the urinary track by the stone pieces. In rare cases, people may develop a urinary tract infection. If you notice any side effects, visit your doctor for further treatment.