Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

Possible Complications of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

Complications may occur with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, including:
 
  • Blood in the urine
  • Bruising
  • Minor discomfort in the back or abdomen.
 
To reduce the risk of complications, doctors will usually tell patients to avoid aspirin and other drugs that affect blood clotting for several weeks before treatment.
 
Another complication of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is discomfort, which may occur as the shattered stone particles pass through the urinary tract. In some cases, the doctor will insert a small tube called a stent through the bladder into the ureter to help the fragments pass.
 
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is not recommended for large kidney stones, and if the stone is not completely shattered with one treatment, additional treatments may be needed.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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