Lithotripsy

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material, made from salts and minerals in urine, which forms in the kidney. Many smaller stones may pass through the urinary tract unnoticed, but some become lodged in the kidney and cause abdominal pain, requiring medical attention.

A non-invasive kidney stone treatment, lithotripsy uses high energy shock waves administered from outside the body to break up stones anywhere in the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, or ureter) so that they may pass naturally in urine. Patients remain awake during the procedure, and in most cases are able to return to normal activities the same day.

Lithotripsy is available at our Community General Hospital urology center.