1. Lithotripsy Kidney stones originate as a small grain in the kidney or upper urinary tract and gradually grow larger as compounds in the urine chemically attach to the stone. Though most stones are fairly small, some can grow to more than an inch in diameter. Statistics show that kidney stone disease can affect as much as two to three percent of the adult population. Nevertheless, what causes kidney stone formation is not clearly understood. In the past, surgery or drug therapies were the treatments for kidney stones. Today urologists can offer alternatives such as lithotripsy.

2. Kidneys

3. What is lithotripsy?  Lithotripsy is a Greek word meaning "stone crusher" which precisely describes the technique. Externally generated shock waves harmlessly penetrate body tissues, but provide enough pressure on a kidney stone to disintegrate it into smaller granules. These granules are small enough to be passed with urine.

4. Who should not have lithotripsy?  Almost everyone can have lithotripsy. However, there are a few exceptions:  People who weigh more than 300 pounds  Are pregnant  Have bleeding problems  Have non-working kidneys  Have pacemakers  People who cannot have anaesthesia or x-rays.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of lithotripsy?  The advantages are:  No lengthy hospital stays;  No incisions;  No surgery;  No lengthy recovery periods.  The disadvantages are:  Some discomfort.  Medicine to prevent infection.  Passing sand-like particles in the urine for a few weeks after the lithotripsy.

6. During Lithotripsy  Sometimes the doctor will prescribe a sedative to relax the patient.  They will be put on the lithotripsy table and an x- ray will be taken to see where the stone is.  Then, the lithotripsy machine will be put against the side of the body close to the stone.  The doctor will send sound waves through the body to crush the stones. This does not hurt.  A tapping sound can be heard as the stones break.

7. Activity  You are the nurse in charge of out- patients.  Prepare a leaflet for the patient who is to undergo lithotripsy