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Getting Ready for your Lithotripsy Procedure

Lithotripsy is a treatment that uses shockwaves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that are easier to pass.  The procedure and your recovery usually takes about 1 1/2 - 3 hours. It may take longer in some cases.  Follow the information in this sheet to help you prepare.

Before the procedure

  • Let your doctor know if you have a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator.

  • Complete all pre-procedure testing. Your doctor may send you to the Patient Testing Center at the ECU Health Medical Center. At this appointment, a nurse will review your medical history and prepare you for your procedure.  Please bring:

    • this handout 

    • your medicines or a list of them

    • a picture ID with your current address

    • a current insurance card

    • a copy of your living will, health care power of attorney, or other advance directives that you have

 

Patient Testing Center at ECU Health Medical Center

Address:     626 Medical Drive Greenville, NC

Main phone number: 252-847-4507

Appointment line:      252-847-9022

Open Monday - Friday 9 am- 5 pm

  • Stop taking all blood-thinning medicines as directed by your doctor. This is important so your procedure is not canceled or postponed.


Blood thinning medicine(s) to stop: ________________________________________________________________

Date to stop: __________________________________________________________________________________

The night before the procedure

  • Do not eat anything after midnight on the night before the procedure. 

  • You may have clear liquids, including black coffee (without milk or any type of creamer), water, tea, apple juice, or Sprite until 2 hours before your procedure. 

Time to stop drinking clear liquids: ______________________________________

 

The day of the procedure

  • Follow all medicine instructions:

    • Do NOT take any diabetes medicines including insulin.

    • Do NOT take any blood thinning medicines as directed by your doctor.

    • TAKE blood pressure and heart medicines with a sip of water as usual.  

  • Bring:

    • 2 forms of identification - one must include a picture.

    • Your medicines

  • Leave all personal belongings at home or with the person who brings you. This may include jewelry, cell phones, bank cards and cash.

  • Remove all metal objects like ear or body piercings or hairpins, clips, or barrettes.

  • Your doctor will tell you what time to arrive. 

Time to arrive: ______________________

  • Use the Surgery Admissions entrance of ECU Health Medical Center.  It is located on Heart Drive next to the Emergency entrance. Free valet parking is available between 4:30 am – 7:00 pm.

  

During the procedure

  • You will get medicine to help you relax. Once this takes effect, the procedure will start.

  • A flexible tube (stent) 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 healthcare 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 will need someone to drive you home.  You will not be allowed to drive due to the effects of the medicines you will receive.

  • You will receive an After Visit Summary with your discharge instructions. This includes information on how to take your medicines and care for yourself.   

 

 

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