Who is a candidate for Lithotripsy?
(A)–A preliminary evaluation by your urologist is required to determine if your are a candidate for lithotripsy treatment. Test include blood and urine analysis, bacterialogical studies, x-rays, and EKG, and possibly special studies of kidney function. Patients with the following conditions are usually NOT considered candidates for lithotripsy: • The kidney with the stone has little or no function. • Urinary tract infection exists. • Marked obstruction of the urinary tract is present which would prevent passage of the stone fragments. • Female of childbearing years with lower ureteral stones. • Uncorrectable bleeding disorders. • Uncorrected high blood pressure. Other factors considered are the size, location, and number of stones, aw well as your overall physical condition. Your urologist is skilled at determining if you are good candidate for lithotripsy at this time. (Q)–What is lithotripsy? (A)–The most advanced method for the treatment of kidney stones. Lithotripsy is a Greek w
