Unfortunately, not all types of kidney stones can be treated this way. In addition, stone fragments are occasionally left in the body and additional treatments are needed. Usually, patients are hospitalized for a day or two. In some cases, lithotripsy may be done on an outpatient basis. After treatment is complete, the patient can move about almost at once.
Many people can fully resume daily activities within one to two days.
Special diets are not required, but drinking plenty of water helps the stone fragments pass. Some pain may occur when the fragments pass, which begins soon after treatment and may last for up to four to eight weeks. Oral pain medications and drinking lots of water will help relieve the symptoms. Most patients have some blood in the urine for a few days. The shattered stone fragments may cause discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract.