Failed Lithotripsy.
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello-
Recently had lithotripsy done for a 4mm x 9mm (calcium oxalate) kidney stone. An X-ray was taken before the procedure showed the stone was in the middle of the ureter. Upon waking after the procedure, I was told the doctor pushed the stone back up into the kidney, lithotripsy was performed and the stone had broken up nicely. A stent was also put in place (I'm in America, btw).
I went in for my two week follow up, which included another X-ray, and the stone was back in the same place but "slightly more fractured and a bit narrower". The stone is jammed against the uretal wall and the stent and now I'm getting the occasional bouts of pressure.
Mainly, I'm leery about a second lithotripsy due to potential long term health implications. Plus, I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on another failed procedure.
In the course of researching, it sounds like uteroscopy may only be an option on stones that are 2-4mm in diameter, which I am pushing those limits.
Curious if anyone else has had similar experiences? Short of expressing my concerns, I'm not sure what to do if the doctor recommends lithotripsy again.
Thanks!
0 likes, 2 replies
BSquared cameron66719
Posted
Hey Cameron,
I had a similar experience. 8mm stone in the ureter. Confirmed by CT Scan and, 10 days before surgery, an x-ray. Went in for the lithotripsy. After the doctor said he couldn't find the stone. He put in a stent.
3 weeks later I had the stent removed at 8am. By 10am I was in excruciating pain. Went in at 4pm for a CT Scan which revealed a 1.1cm stone in the ureter. Had another lithotripsy that night and, this time, he got the stone. Recovering now and feeling much better than I did after the first lithotripsy.
The doctor believes the stone got pushed back into the kidney by a wire or dye infusion during the first procedure and got into a place where he couldn't find it. He looked for 40 minutes with 2 scopes.
For me the second operation was a must. At 1.1cm it is unlikely the stone would have passed. I'm glad I did it and will be even happier when I remove the stent next week.
Hope this was helpful.
carole55352 cameron66719
Posted
I've had three cat scans and two lithotripsies; I still have the stones only they are smaller. My pain is manageable by sitting on a heating pad. I don't take pain killers anymore. I find it hard to swallow that the pain is all on my left side but the doctor says it is my right kidney. I had no pain with the first procedure but plenty after the scond and it left a hole in my back and lower abdomen which the doctor would not take responsibility for. If they did something else, I should know.