Lithotripsy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is a non-surgical way of dealing with a kidney stone in which shock waves are directed from outside the body onto the stone, breaking it into fragments small enough to leave in the urine. Because nothing is cut or inserted through the skin in the standard form of the treatment, lithotripsy is often the first procedure considered for stones of the right size and position.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah, lithotripsy is one of several options for kidney stones, and it is chosen when a stone is likely to break and clear well with this method.
Who needs it
Lithotripsy suits stones that are moderate in size and sit where the shock waves can reach and clear them, usually in the kidney or upper part of the ureter. It is offered when a stone is too large to pass on its own but does not need a more invasive procedure.
Lithotripsy is not right for everyone. Very large or very hard stones, stones in certain positions, pregnancy, uncontrolled bleeding problems and some anatomical differences make other approaches more suitable. Your urologist weighs the size, position and make-up of the stone against the alternatives before recommending it.
How the decision is made
The choice between lithotripsy, a telescopic procedure and simply waiting for a stone to pass is based on imaging and your symptoms. Lithotripsy avoids instruments passing up the urinary tract, but a stone may need more than one session, and some stones clear more reliably with a direct telescopic approach. Your urologist explains why one route is preferred for your stone so the decision is made together.
What happens
Before the session you lie on a treatment couch. Imaging is used to pinpoint the stone precisely. Pain relief or light sedation is given, because the shock waves can be felt as tapping or discomfort. The machine then delivers a series of focused shock waves through the skin onto the stone over a period that varies from person to person. You are awake for much of it in most cases, and no incision is made.
The waves gradually crack the stone into gravel-sized pieces. Once enough fragmentation is achieved, the session ends and you are observed for a short while before going home the same day in most cases.
Preparing for it
Your care team will tell you whether to stop eating or drinking beforehand and will review your medicines, particularly blood thinners, which usually need to be paused. Tell your team if there is any chance you are pregnant. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may have had sedation.
Afterwards
After lithotripsy it is normal to see blood in the urine for a short time and to feel discomfort in the side as fragments move down and out. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the pieces through, which can take days to weeks. You may be asked to strain your urine to collect fragments for analysis. Passing gravel can cause brief spasms of pain that pain relief manages.
Seek urgent care, or go to the emergency department, if you develop a fever with chills, pain that will not settle, persistent vomiting, or you cannot pass urine. These can signal an infection or a fragment blocking the flow, which need prompt attention.
Risks and limitations
Lithotripsy does not always clear a stone completely, and a repeat session or a different procedure may be needed if fragments remain or the stone is too hard to break. Fragments passing down the ureter can cause pain and, occasionally, a temporary blockage. Bruising of the skin, blood in the urine and, rarely, bleeding around the kidney can occur. Lithotripsy treats the stone in front of you; it does not stop new stones forming, so prevention still matters. Your urologist will give you a realistic picture for your stone rather than a general figure.
Cost and insurance
Lithotripsy usually requires pre-approval from your insurer, and because approval can take time, it helps to begin the process early to avoid delaying treatment. The consultation, imaging and follow-up may be covered separately under your plan, and some plans limit the number of sessions covered. Confirm your cover with our team on 06 599 7777 before booking.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is lithotripsy surgery?
Lithotripsy is not surgery in the standard form used for most stones, because it breaks the stone with shock waves passed through the skin without any cut or instrument entering the body.
Does lithotripsy hurt?
Lithotripsy can feel like tapping or discomfort during the session, so pain relief or light sedation is given, and afterwards some soreness in the side is normal as the fragments pass.
How long does a lithotripsy session take?
A lithotripsy session usually takes a period that varies from person to person while the machine delivers a series of focused shock waves, after which you are observed briefly and can often go home the same day.
Will one lithotripsy session clear my stone?
One session clears many stones, but harder or larger stones may need a repeat session or a different procedure, and your urologist will review imaging afterwards to check how much has cleared.
What should I expect after lithotripsy?
After lithotripsy it is normal to see blood in the urine and feel discomfort as gravel-sized fragments pass, so drinking plenty of water helps, and you may be asked to strain your urine to collect pieces.
When should I call the hospital after lithotripsy?
Call the hospital or attend the emergency department after lithotripsy if you develop a fever with chills, uncontrolled pain, repeated vomiting, or you cannot pass urine, as these may signal infection or a blockage.
Can any kidney stone be treated with lithotripsy?
Not every stone can be treated with lithotripsy, because very large, very hard or awkwardly placed stones, and situations such as pregnancy or bleeding problems, make other approaches safer or more effective.
Does lithotripsy stop kidney stones coming back?
Lithotripsy deals only with the current stone and does not prevent new ones, so keeping up your fluid intake and following prevention advice based on your stone type remains important afterwards.
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