Kidney Stone “Buster” at SMSC
Lithotripsy uses shock waves to pulverize kidney stones
Outpatient treatment using shock waves to pulverize kidney stones, considered the most non-invasive way to treat this painful condition, is now available at Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center.
“Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a first line therapy with very low chances for complications,” said Santa Cruz Medical Clinic urologist Steven Roberts, M.D.
Dr. Roberts and partner Elizabeth Newsom, M.D., “bust” kidney stones once a month using a MedStone Mobile Lithotriptor.
“This is the first time patients have been able to get this procedure in Santa Cruz,” Dr. Newsom said. “They are grateful to have local access to the technology, and to be able to schedule a procedure within a short period of time.
“Another plus is that MedStone always provides the latest in technology,” she added.
ESWL is a relatively painless procedure that most people suffering from kidney stones can benefit from. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes in the majority of patients, who receive general anesthesia.
During lithotripsy, up to 3,000 shock waves are delivered to each stone through a gel pad placed against the skin. These high-energy pressure waves fragment the stones into easy-to-pass, sand-like particles but cause minimal to no damage to body tissue.
“Stones are nearly always painful, causing aches, pains and cramps. They obstruct the kidney and cause permanent damage if an obstruction lasts more than three to four weeks,” Dr. Roberts explained. “The kidney will shut down.”
“The single most important step to take to prevent kidney stones is to increase your hydration by drinking a lot of water,” he said, noting that dehydration from heat and diuretics such as coffee, tea and alcohol causes sand-like particles in the kidneys to grow into stones.
About five per cent of the U.S. population between the ages of 18 and 70 suffers from this condition, which often reoccurs. The metabolic imbalance that causes kidney stones can be treated with medication, and more invasive surgery is available if EWSL is not successful.
Back To Clinical News