How successful is lithotripsy for kidney stones?

How successful is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy? In those patients who are thought to be good candidates for this treatment, about 70 to 90 percent are found to be free of stones within three months of treatment.

How safe is lithotripsy?

Shock wave lithotripsy is a safe treatment to get rid of kidney stones. Passing even tiny kidney stone fragments can hurt — sometimes a lot. If you have shock wave lithotripsy, expect to feel some discomfort as stone fragments pass in the days and weeks after treatment.

Is lithotripsy a major surgery?

Patients who once required major surgery to remove their stones could be treated with lithotripsy, and not even require an incision. As such, lithotripsy is the only non-invasive treatment for kidney stones, meaning no incision or internal telescopic device is required.

Which is better ureteroscopy and lithotripsy?

However, depending on the skill and experience of the surgeon, ureteroscopy can be used for virtually any stone of a size appropriate for it. Fragmentation of stones using helium laser device ureteroscopy is more assured than with shock wave lithotripsy (SWL).

How bad is pain after lithotripsy?

After treatment, you will have blood in your urine and possibly abdominal pain or aching for several days. Other people experience a severe cramping pain as shattered stone fragments make their way out of the body. Oral pain medication and drinking lots of water will help relieve symptoms.

Why is lithotripsy so expensive?

Facility setting — Where you have your medical procedure done affects the cost. Having your lithotripsy done in a hospital as an inpatient costs far more than having the same procedure done in an outpatient center. Since inpatient facilities tend to cost more to run, patients end up paying more for care.

Does Medicare pay for lithotripsy?

Percutaneous lithotripsy of kidney stones by ultrasound or by the related techniques of electrohydraulic or mechanical lithotripsy is covered under Medicare.

Is lithotripsy covered by insurance?

Insured or uninsured — The price of lithotripsy can vary between insurance providers. The change in price largely depends on how much of the procedure your insurance plan covers if any at all. Furthermore, if you don’t have health insurance, you can expect to pay the full cost of the lithotripsy out-of-pocket.

How long will I pee blood after lithotripsy?

It is normal to have a small amount of blood in your urine for a few days to a few weeks after this procedure. You may have pain and nausea when the stone pieces pass. This can happen soon after treatment and may last for 4 to 8 weeks.

How much does it cost to have lithotripsy?

The average cost of lithotripsy in the United States is $12,800, though prices can range from $7,250 to $16,450. One factor that can greatly affect the cost of your lithotripsy is whether you have the procedure performed in an inpatient facility, like a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center.