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Lithotripsy
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE TREATMENT FOR KIDNEY STONES
A non-invasive treatment used to break up kidney stones
What is lithotripsy treatment?
Lithotripsy treatment uses a high-intensity sound wave to break kidney stones up into smaller pieces, so you can pass them naturally without pain or discomfort. This is done with you awake with just some simple pain-killers. Treatments typically take 20-30 minutes and you are able to go home shortly afterwards.
If you have kidney stones, this non-invasive treatment can help. If this treatment is not suitable for you then your kidney stone specialist may recommend ureteroscopy and laser or a percutaneous nephrolithotomy as alternative options. Your consultant will explain all the options available to you.
Need to know
The technician will ask you to lie on your side, giving you a water-filled cushion for support. You may also be given simple analgesia (medication to help relieve pain).
After using X-rays or ultrasound to locate the kidney stone(s), they will then use a machine called a lithotripter to target it with sound waves. These sound waves will break the stone into small pieces (less than 2mm in size), making them easier to pass.
Lithotripsy is an effective treatment for up to 80% of kidney stones.
After using X-rays or ultrasound to locate the kidney stone(s), they will then use a machine called a lithotripter to target it with sound waves. These sound waves will break the stone into small pieces (less than 2mm in size), making them easier to pass.
Lithotripsy is an effective treatment for up to 80% of kidney stones.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. However, we do advise that you should bring pain killers with you on the day of your treatment.
You will likely feel a bit bruised in the area the treatment took place, however you will be able to go home on the same day as your procedure.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise, however it’s important to drink plenty of water after the procedure, as this should help you to pass the fragmented stone.
You will be advised whether you will need a follow-up with your urologist at the end of your consult.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise, however it’s important to drink plenty of water after the procedure, as this should help you to pass the fragmented stone.
You will be advised whether you will need a follow-up with your urologist at the end of your consult.
Meet our lead consultant, Mr Matthew Bultitude
Mr Matthew Bultitude is the lead consultant for lithotripsy, which is a key part of the Kidney Stone Service at London Bridge Hospital. He is clinical director for transplant surgery, nephrology and urology at Guy's and St. Thomas'. He has been Secretary of the Urology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, spent 9 years as Associate Editor for BJU International and is a member of the BAUS Endourology Executive.
Our Lithotripsy locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Kidney Stones Clinic
18 Devonshire Street W1G 7AQ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.