Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Lithotripsy Calyces

Renal Pelvis Shock Waves

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Kidney Stones Ureter

Medulla Cortex

What are kidney stones?

The function of the kidneys is to filter waste products from the body into the urine. Under certain conditions, chemicals in the urine may form crystals, which combine to form a stone. Small stones may pass out by themselves during urination.

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a method of breaking up urinary stones in the kidneys or the ureters.

However, larger stones may be lodged in the kidney or urinary tract and may cause pain, blood in the urine and infection.

During ESWL, carefully focused shock waves pass harmlessly through your body and hit the stones, causing them to break into small fragments. These fragments are then passed out in your urine.

The procedure is done in the urology clinic and no hospitalisation is required.

Any risks involved?

Complications from ESWL are rare, but may include the following: • Bruising or bleeding from the kidney or skin.

• Swollen kidney due to obstruction of the ureter as a result of jammed stone fragments.

• Urinary tract infection due to release of bacteria from the stones.

• Failure of the stone to fragment.

How is the procedure performed?

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

• You will lie comfortably on a couch. An ultrasound machine and X-ray will pinpoint the exact location of the stone, and focused shock waves are then delivered to the stone.

• You will feel a tapping sensation as the shock waves pass harmlessly through your body.

This sensation is likened to a rubber band snapping onto your body. Our staff will be present throughout the procedure to provide continuous care.

• Each treatment takes about 4560 minutes.

Post-Procedure • You are advised to drink six to eight glasses of water per day over the next 3 days.

• It is normal to see blood in the urine for several days.

• Slight bruising may be noted on the site of treatment.

• Normal daily activities and diet can be resumed after the procedure. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 48 hours after the treatment.

• If you were taking aspirin before the procedure, you can resume it after a week, provided your urine is no longer stained. Please consult your doctor.

• Your review with the urologist will be scheduled about 1 month after the treatment. Generally larger stones may require more than one session of treatment.

Preparations for ESWL • If you are taking these medication, please follow this advice unless told otherwise by your doctor: ☐ Anti-hypertension/ Antidiabetes drugs - Continue to take as usual. ☐ Blood thinning medication (such as Aspirin, Warfarin and Plavix) - Stop taking these 10 days before procedure.

- Date to stop: __________ ☐ Stop all traditional medicine or supplements.

• Do not bring any valuables or wear any jewellery on the day of procedure.

• Please arrange for an adult to accompany you back home after the procedure. If not, procedure may be cancelled.

• If you are unable to keep the appointment, kindly call to inform us and request for a new date.

Day before ESWL: ________________ • For 24 hours, please go on a low-residue diet by avoiding vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and red meat.

• At 8pm, please take 2 tablets of Bisacodyl 5mg. You will experience loose and frequent stools as Bisacodyl is a laxative.

This will help clear your bowels to ensure a clear x-ray / ultrasound image of the urinary stones.

Day of ESWL: ____________________ • Please be punctual for your appointment.

• Should you be late, a new appointment based on existing waiting list may be given to you.

• At ________, take a light meal of: - Two slices of bread - A cup of beverage (avoid coffee and tea) • After meal, take 1 tablet of Arcoxia 120mg.

• Do not consume any food after ________________________.

• Do not drive on the day of the appointment.

When to seek medical attention: • Severe intolerable pain

Your Appointment

• Persistent chills or fever of more than 38 degree Celsius • Passing out of heavily bloodstained urine several times in a day Medical advice • Please contact our Customer Contact Centre at 6555 8828 for an urgent appointment to return to the Urology Clinic during office hours.

• For any emergency after office hours, please proceed to KTPH’s Acute and Emergency Department (A&E).

Affix patient’s sticker.

Venue:

Urology Clinic (C44)

Appointment Date : ____________ Appointment Time : ____________ Examination Fee

: ____________

Contact Information To reschedule your appointment, please contact us at (65) 6555 8828.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

URO.PE.02.0517