The lithotripter unit, which incorporates a clear plastic pad of water about a foot deep and three feet wide, slides under the bed. The lithotripter is focused on the patient's kidney stone with the help of fluoroscopic X-ray equipment. Monitors connected to the X-ray equipment allow the surgeon to view the exact position of the kidney stone. The physician directs high energy electric shock waves at the kidney stone. As the waves travel through the pad of water, the kidney stone is bombarded and broken into particles that usually pass with urine.
Patients hear a cracking sound, much like a muffled gunshot, and feel a thumping on their skin.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes during which time about 2,500 shock waves are directed at the stone. Most patients go home the same day. If you experience a problem with this Website, please report it to our site manager.