Extracorporeal Lithotripsy
"In the Clinica we have all the existing minimally invasive treatments to solve renal lithiasis".
DR. FERNANDO RAMÓN DE FATA CHILLÓN SPECIALIST. UROLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones that form in the kidney, bladder or ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
After the procedure, the tiny pieces of the stones leave the body through the urine.
The Department has a state-of-the-art extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy device, which makes it possible to treat and resolve 90% of the stones in the urinary system.
When is lithotripsy indicated?
95% of the stones located in the ureter are spontaneously expelled in 3 or 4 weeks, depending on their size and position. Any stone not expelled within 2 months requires therapeutic action.
Currently, between 90 and 95% of stones can be eliminated by non-aggressive procedures, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which consists of breaking the stones into small fragments that can be expelled more easily.
Most frequent indications:
Have you been diagnosed with kidney stones?
Extracorporeal lithotripsy may be necessary
How is lithotripsy performed?
Lithotripsy is usually performed under sedation. The procedure usually lasts 45-60 minutes.
The high-energy shock waves, also called sound waves, pass through the body until they hit the kidney stones. A light tapping sensation may be experienced when the procedure begins.
The waves break the stones into tiny pieces that will initially be passed in the urine.
The most frequent side effect is urinating blood after the treatment. With the intake of water and in a few hours-days, it will disappear. Most people can go home the same day of the procedure.
The prognosis depends on the number of stones you have, their size and where they are in your urinary system.
Usually, lithotripsy completely removes the stones.
A diet poor in the elements that form the stone (calcium, uric acid, phosphate, etc.) and drinking plenty of fluids are necessary to prevent the formation of new kidney stones.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE
The Department of Urology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Urology of the University of Navarra Clinic offers the patient a medical team, composed of first-rate professionals, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic means such as the Da Vinci® robotic surgery.
The Department of Urology possesses the certificate of accreditation of the European Board of Urology, a reinforcement of the excellence of the service at the level of care, teaching and research, which in Spain only three hospital centers possess.
Diseases we treat:
- Prostate Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Urinary Incontinence
- Renal Lithiasis
- Genitourinary Prolapses
- Pediatric Urology
Why at the Clinica?
- A team of top-level professionals trained in international centers.
- State-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment.
- In 24-48 hours you can start the most appropriate treatment.
