Conditions & Treatments

Laser Lithotripsy

Definition

Laser lithotripsy is one of many methods to treat kidney stones. It uses a laser device with a flexible probe to deliver energy that breaks apart the stones.

Reasons for Procedure

Lithotripsy is used to remove kidney stones that:

Are too large to pass
Cause constant pain
Block the flow of urine
Cause an ongoing infection
Damage surrounding tissue
Cause bleeding

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Damage or irritation to tissue or surrounding structures
Blood in the urine
Infection
Pain as the stone fragments pass
Failure of stone fragments to pass, requiring additional surgery
Need for more treatments
Reaction to anesthesia

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic disease, such as diabetes or obesity

Your risk of complications may increase if you have bleeding disorders or are taking medications that reduce blood clotting.

Prior to Procedure

Before the procedure, your doctor may do the following:

Physical exam and medical history
Blood and urine tests
Imaging studies to find the location of the stone

Other things to remember before the procedure:

Arrange for a ride home from the care center.
If instructed by your doctor, do not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep during the procedure.

The Operation

Once you are asleep, the surgeon passes a small lighted tube (ureteroscope), through the urethra and bladder and into the ureter to the point where the stone is located. If the stone is small, it may be snared with a basket device and removed whole from the ureter. If the stone is large and/or if the diameter of the ureter is narrow, the stone will need to be fragmented, which is usually accomplished with a laser. Once the stone is broken into tiny pieces, these pieces are usually removed from the ureter. In most cases, to ensure that the kidney drains urine well after surgery, a ureteral stent is left in place.

Ureteroscopy can also be performed for stones located within the kidney. Similar to ureteral stones, kidney stones can be fragmented and removed with baskets. Occasionally, a kidney stone will fragment with a laser into very small pieces (grains of sand), too small to be basketed. The urologist will usually leave a stent and allow these pieces to clear by themselves over time. Lastly, if the ureter is too small to advance the ureteroscope, the urologist will usually leave a stent, allowing the ureter to “dilate” around the stent, and reschedule the procedure for 2-3 weeks later. Ureteroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Some patients, however, may require an overnight hospital stay if the procedure proves lengthy or difficult.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, complications, although rare, may occur with ureteroscopy. Potential risks and complications with this operation include but are not limited to the following:

Stent pain: About 50% of patients who undergo ureteroscopy and have a stent will have “stent pain,” and this is by far the most common risk/complaint following ureteroscopy. A stent is a soft plastic tube (about half the size of IV tubing) that allows the kidney to drain to the bladder regardless of edema or obstruction. Not only can the stent “rub” on the inside of the bladder, causing a feeling of needing to urinate/overactive bladder, but also the stent allows urine to pass up from the bladder to the kidney during urination – causing symptoms from a warm, tingling sensation to intense pain in the affected flank. Ask your surgeon about the risks/benefits of a ureteral stent following surgery.
Stone fragments: Residual stones within the kidney or ureter may be present up to 40% of the time following ureteroscopy, depending on the original stone size and location. These stone fragments will be seen and addressed on follow-up imaging. Ask your urologist to give you some idea of success rates for your particular stone size and location.
Ureteral injury: Injury to the ureter is the most common intra-operative complication during ureteroscopy. The reported risk of perforation ranges greatly, depending on whether it is defined as a complete perforation (0.1-0.7% — think of this as a hole through the entire ureter), a partial perforation (1.6% — a hole nearly through the entire ureter), or mucosal tear/scrape (5% — these are similar to a sore on the inside of the mouth). Almost 100% of these will heal with prolonged stenting (anywhere between 2 – 4 weeks). Should a large perforation occur, your urologist may chose to stop the procedure and return on another day when the ureter has had time to heal. Should your urologist not be able to place a stent after a perforation, a tube called a “nephrostomy tube” will be placed through the skin of your back into the kidney. This tube temporarily diverts the urine away from the hole and out into a bag until healing can occur and the hole close.
Ureteral stricture and avulsion: Ureteral strictures (scar tissue within the ureter) and ureteral avulsion (complete dissociation of the ureter from the kidney) are the most feared complication of ureteroscopy. Fortunately, due to the advent of small ureteroscopes and heightened surgeon awareness, the risk of avulsion (0.05%, 1/2000) or stricture (0.2%, 1/500) is rare.
Hematuria and infection: Bleeding and infection are certainly possible following ureteroscopy (5%), but most of these are self-limiting and resolve with hydration and antibiotics, respectively.

What to Expect After Surgery

Immediate post-operative period: After the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room. If a urinary catheter (foley) was placed during surgery, this may be removed by your nurse once you are awake, alert, and moving comfortably. Once your pain is controlled and you are able to urinate, you may be discharged from the recovery room to home. Expect blood in the urine with almost every urination. With time and hydration, the urine should slowly turn from a watermelon red color to pink to clear. You may have stent pain or bladder spasms (see complications of ureteroscopy above) that can be helped by overactive bladder medications or by an indwelling foley catheter. Due to instrumentation, most patients will receive 4-5 days of oral antibiotics to prevent a urinary tract infection.
Postoperative Pain: Most patients after ureteroscopy experience mild to moderate pain in the flank and/or bladder area. This is generally well controlled by use of oral narcotics (pain medication) such as Percocet or Vicodin. As you get further out from your ureteroscopy, you may be able to decrease the strength of the medication to Extra Strength Tylenol or Motrin, as narcotics may cause constipation and sedation.
Ureteral Stent: Almost always after ureteroscopy, a small tube called a ureteral stent will be placed. The stent serves to facilitate drainage of urine down to the bladder. At a later date, the stent will be removed in the office by your surgeon. You may experience bladder spasms related to the ureteral stent that was placed at the end of your procedure (see FAQs).
Nausea: Nausea is fairly common following any surgery especially related to general anesthesia. This is usually transient and is self-limiting. Should you have excessive nausea and vomiting, you should contact your surgeon for advice.
Showering: Patients can shower immediately upon discharge from the hospital
Activity: Patients may begin driving once they are off all narcotic pain medication. Most patients are able to perform normal, daily activities within 5-7 days after ureteroscopy. However, many patients describe more fatigue and discomfort with a ureteral stent in the bladder. This may limit the amount of activities that you can perform.
Diet: Most patients only desire clear liquids for the first 24 hours following ureteroscopy, as your intestinal function may be sluggish due to the effects of surgery and general anesthesia. Following this period, Patients may resume a regular diet as tolerated.
Fatigue: Fatigue is quite common following surgery and should subside in several days following surgery.
Constipation/Gas Cramps: You may experience sluggish bowels for several days following your ureteroscopy as a result of the anesthesia. Suppositories and stool softeners are usually given to help with this problem. Taking a teaspoon of mineral oil daily at home will also help to prevent constipation. Narcotic pain medication can also cause constipation and therefore patients are encouraged to discontinue any narcotic pain medication as soon after surgery as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Patients should make a follow-up appointment with their surgeon.

What are the success rates of ureteroscopy?

Depending on stone size, location, and number, success rates vary anywhere from 50% – 90%.

How long will my stent stay in place?

The length of time the stent remains in your ureter is variable. Your doctor will probably request it to be removed somewhere between 5- 10 days after your procedure. About 50% of patients feel flank fullness (usually during voiding) and urgency as a result of the stent. These symptoms often improve over time. It is critical that you return to have your stent removed (as instructed), as a prolonged indwelling ureteral stent can result in encrustation, chronic infections, chronic kidney obstruction, and eventual loss of kidney function.

What is a ureteral stent?

The ureter is the natural tube that transmits urine from the kidney to the bladder. A ureteral stent is a specially designed hollow tube, made of a soft, plastic material that is placed inside the lumen of the ureter. This tube facilitate urine passage until the obstruction has resolved. Stent size and lengths vary according to patient characteristics.

What’s the reason for having a stent placed?

The placement of a ureteral stent allows urine to flow from the kidney to the bladder, even when the ureter is obstructed (stones, edema, external compression, tumors, clots, etc). Because of the stent, the kidney can continue to function properly while avoiding the pain that can occur when the kidney is obstructed. Additionally, ureteral stents allow the kidney to clear bacterial infections associated with obstruction.

Following ureteral or kidney surgery, the stent protects the ureter and allows the ureter to heal even when damaged. If a stent is not placed following surgery, occasionally, the ureteral lumen can heal with what is called a stricture. Stents are thought to prevent this from occuring, as they allow for healing in the shape of a tube.

Occasionally, a stent is placed in order to allow the ureter to dilate over a period of time. This can be important when access through the ureter is needed to pass instruments or remove stones. Clinically, this is seen when the diameter of the ureter is too small to allow for passage of instruments or when a ureteral stone has narrowed the lumen of the ureter due to edema or inflammation. Inserting a stent allows the ureter to passively dilate, in the hope of making later attempts to get up the ureter successful.

What are the disadvantages of having a ureteral stent?

About 50% of patients will have some type of side-effect associated with their stent. It is not possible to predict who will have stent-associated difficulties or when the stent symptoms will resolve. Some patients have stent symptoms for just a few days, while others find their symptoms persist throughout their entire stent duration. Ureteral stent symptoms may include:

Hematuria: Stents can cause blood to appear in the urine at various times. Usually, physical activity of one kind or other results in movement of the stent inside the body. This can give rise to blood in the urine. Pain may be felt in the back (loin), bladder area, groin, penis in men or urethra in women, and sometimes the testicles. The discomfort or pain may be more noticeable after physical activities and after passing urine.
Bladder spasms: The stent can rub and irritate the lining of the bladder, making it necessary to pass urine more frequently during the day and at night. These symptoms can occasionally be improved by medication.
Incontinence: Rarely, a stent may cause such bladder spasms leading to urinary leakage. This can usually be controlled with oral medications or with stent removal.
Stent migration: Stents may move from their intended positions to other parts of the urinary tract, causing pain or incontinence.
Infection: As stents are foreign bodies, bacteria can attach to their surface and become protected by a layer of slime known as a “biofilm.” These bacteria may then be released into the urine, causing infection and fever. These infections may temporarily be cleared with antibiotics, but usually recur 2-3 weeks after antibiotics as the antibiotics are unable to penetrate the biofilm.
Encrustation: Stents may be forgotten by patients and their care-givers. Over time, they can become coated with urinary salts and minerals and eventually become one very large calcified stone. This may lead to chronic obstruction, pain, chronic infections, or even complete atrophy (death) of that kidney. Typically, 2-3 procedures are necessary to remove these calcified stents.

How is a stent inserted?

A stent is inserted usually under a general anesthesia, often in combination with other procedures (depending on the reason for the stent). A telescope called a cystoscope is passed through the urethra and into the bladder. The stent is then passed through the cystoscope and into the ureter with the use of a guide wire, and its position is confirmed using x-rays.

How is a stent removed?

Under local anesthesia in the urology clinic, a special flexible telescope (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra into the bladder. The ureteral stent is picked up with a grasper and removed.

How does a stent interfere with daily life?

Most patients are able to perform normal, daily activities with a stent in place. However, many patients describe more fatigue and discomfort during the day, limiting the amount of activities that can perform. Additionally, as some patients have bladder spasms that require using a toilet more frequently, travel may be more tedious or difficult. Ureteral stents do not limit sexual activity, although there may be less enjoyment as a result of the side-effects described above.

What additional care is necessary when a stent is in place?

No particular cares are necessary. Drink at least 1••• to 2 liters of fluids a day is encouraged to help to dilute the urine. Discuss with your doctor or nurse if you have troublesome side-effects.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Inability to urinate
Excess blood in your urine
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you’ve been given
Pain that you cannot control with the medications you’ve been given
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
If the stent falls out

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov

Urology Care Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org

Lithotripsy (ESWL) for Kidney Stones

Shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment that helps by breaking the kidney stone into smaller pieces that are easier to pass. This treatment is also called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Lithotripsy takes about an hour. It’s done in a hospital, lithotripsy center, or mobile lithotripsy van. You will likely go home the same day. Your health care provider will discuss whether this is the right treatment for the type of stone you have.

During the Procedure

You receive medication to prevent pain and help you relax or sleep during lithotripsy. Once this takes effect, the procedure will start.
A stent (flexible tube with holes in it) may be placed into your ureter (the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder). This helps keep urine flowing from the kidney.
Your health care provider then uses X-ray or ultrasound to find the exact location of the kidney stone.
Sound waves are aimed at the stone and sent at high speed. If you’re awake, you may feel a tapping as they pass through your body.

After the Procedure

You’ll be monitored in a recovery room for about 1 hour to 3 hours. Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed before you leave.
You’ll have a follow-up visit in a few weeks. If you received a stent, it will be removed. Your doctor will also check for pieces of stone. If large pieces remain, you may need a second lithotripsy or another procedure.

Possible Risks and Complications

Infection
Bleeding in the kidney
Bruising of the kidney or skin
Obstruction (blockage) of the ureter
Failure to break up the stone (other procedures may be needed