Every few minutes the patient will be repositioned using fluoroscopes and the hydraulic suspension system. Upon completion of treatment, the patient will be removed from the water bath and sent to the recovery room until the anesthetic has worn off. Typically patients will usually be discharged on the day of treatment. Blood-tinged urine is to be expected for a few days. Stone particles typically begin to pass during treatment and may continue to pass intermittently for several weeks.
Most patients have remarkably little discomfort.
Pain will be treated with appropriate painkilling drugs. Patients will be discharged from the hospital when their symptoms and medical condition warrant. Laboratory and radiographic studies similar to those made before ESWL treatment will be made at periodic intervals after treatment to assess the patient's response. Follow-up after treatment is usually done within a few weeks in the office. For example, cystine stones are more resistant to ESWL than other crystalline types.