This non-invasive
technology safely and effectively disintegrates your stone(s) into small
particles with shock waves aimed directly at the stone(s). Shock waves are
energy pressure waves. These shock waves pass safely through the body.
Devices mechanically focus the shock wave's greatest energy on the kidney
stones. This impact of repeated shock waves causes the stone to crack and
crumble without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Breaking down
the kidney stone into smaller particles allows the body to expel the stone
naturally.
Both the
bath and bathless units are designed for this procedure. The urologist
will choose the method best suited for the patient depending on the size
and type of stone, the severity of the condition, and the age and health
of the patient.
Advantages of Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy
offers many advantages over surgical stone removal. With Lithotripsy,
there is an extreme reduction in complications and pain. The trauma,
inconvenience, and pain of a surgical incision are all avoided.
Post-treatment complications are minimized, and recuperation time
following treatment is greatly reduced. Recuperation after Lithotripsy
usually takes only a few days compared to the average of 3 to 6 weeks
following surgery. Over 90% of patients with kidney stones are excellent
candidates for Lithotripsy treatment. After careful evaluations by your
urologist and the team at Bay Area Renal Stone Center, a patient with
multiple stones located anywhere in the urinary tract may be considered.
What are Kidney Stones?
The
majority of kidney stones are calcium oxalate, a hard salt compound which
forms in crystalline masses. Experts suggest that age, diet, climate,
infection, and inherited disorders are some of the leading factors in
kidney stone development. Each stone can vary in size. Kidney stones can
build up gradually from the size of a grain of sand to nearly the size of
a golf ball. The stones become a problem when they grow too large to pass
out of the body naturally. Sudden and severe pain may occur when normal
urine flow is obstructed by the kidney stone. Other possible symptoms
include fever, bloody urine, burning upon urination, infections, and
nausea.
Over
500,000 Americans suffer from kidney stones. Until 1994, surgery was the
only method of kidney stone removal. Since 1986, Bay Area Renal Stone
Center has made Lithotripsy available to over 3.2 million residents in our
service area. Over 18,000 patient treatments have been completed.
Cost Savings Versus Surgery
Expense is
also reduced with Lithotripsy. A patient with multiple or larger stones
may require more than one treatment. This not only increases risks and
complications, but could develop into a major in-hospital expense. The
entire cost for out-patient Lithotripsy is substantially less than the
cost of removing a kidney stone surgically. Lithotripsy also has been
approved by Medicare and most health insurance companies.
Lithotripsy with the HM3
The Dormier
HM3 Lithotripter was the first to be approved in the United States. It
continues to be considered the Gold Standard in shock wave Lithotripsy.
The HM3 is referred to as the "Bath Unit" because the patient is immersed
in a specially-designed tub filled with water. The patient usually
receives general or epidural anesthesia. Shock waves bounce off a
reflector and are aimed at the patientıs kidney stone. The impact of
repeated shock waves fragments the stone. The procedure itself, excluding
preparation and recovery time, normally takes from 1 to 1.5 hours.
Patients are usually in the recovery room for 1.5 hours and are able to
resume normal activities once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.
Lithotripsy with the Shock Tube C
Lithostar
Unlike the
Dormier HM3 Lithotripter, the Siemens Shock Tube C Lithostar is what could
be referred to as the "Bathless Unit" since it does not require the
patient to be immersed in water. Lower energy shock waves are used with
the Shock Tube C Lithostart so that general anesthesia or heavy sedation
is not required. I.V. sedation is delivered by anesthesia personnel as
needed to maintain patient comfort throughout the procedure. The procedure
itself, excluding preparation and recovery time, usually takes about 2
hours. Patients can most likely resume normal activities within hours
after the procedure.
Bay Area Renal Stone Center
Bay Area
Renal Stone Center has been totally dedicated to the care and treatment of
urology patients since 1986. It is used by over 130 urologists
representing several counties in the state of Florida. The center is
operated under the guidance and care of these innovative physicians. This
bold, visionary collaboration has made the Center's state-of-the art
technologies available to areas throughout Florida. The Center is
accredited by JCAHO, certified by the American Lithotripsy Society, and
licensed with HRS Radiation Control and other licensing organizations. The
members of the center belong to the Florida Hospital Association, the
American Lithotripsy Society, the American Urological Association, and the
Florida Society of Ambulatory Care Professionals. Physicians and staff are
licensed to practice in the state of Florida.
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