No, lithotripsy is not painful. It is generally performed under sedation; however, the patient might feel little pain and discomfort after the procedure. Proper rest, care, and pain management techniques will help.

Synopsis
Stone formation in the kidney, liver, or gallbladder is normal. However, they can cause severe pain and discomfort, which can affect a person's quality of life. Therefore, timely stone extraction is necessary. A noninvasive procedure like Lithotripsy is highly effective in breaking down stones, which then move out along with the urine. The complexity of the stone removal procedures makes it paramount to choose the best lithotripsy treatment in Bangalore like the Gleneagles Hospital. It is a top hospital with a specialised nephrology department offering a profusion of health solutions.
Introduction
The problem of kidney stones is widespread and is typically caused due to a variety of factors. Lifestyle factors, water intake, and genetic factors can contribute to the formation of stones in the organs. Kidney stones, specifically, can lead to major health threats if left untreated. It can also cause urinary tract complications. Lithotripsy Bangalore has come up as a revolutionary alternative to traditional invasive stone removal procedures. It is minimally invasive, making the recovery and rehabilitation much faster than conventional methods. Renowned hospitals like Gleneagles Hospital in Bangalore further make the entire treatment procedure extremely comfortable and seamless.
What is Lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure for treating kidney stones. It uses either shock waves or a laser to break the stone into smaller fragments. It is generally preferred for larger stones that do not require open surgery. Kidney stones are not foreign deposits but the accumulation of certain minerals in excess in the body. Lithotripsy destroys these stones physically, making it easier for the body to pass them through the urinary tract.
Types of Lithotripsy
There are three main types of lithotripsy that are broadly used.
- Electrocorpo real Shock Wave Lithotripsy: This type of Lithotripsy uses high-frequency shock waves to break down the stone. It is noninvasive, and no incisions or cuts are required, making it a preferred choice for patients. It is the most commonly used technology for small—to medium-sized kidney stones.
- Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy: This procedure is done under general anaesthesia. Electric shock waves are used in Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy to break down the stones.
- Ultrasonic Lithotripsy: As the name suggests, an ultrasound lithotripsy treatment uses sound waves for pulverising the kidney or bladder stone. A probe is sent to the stone location which meticulously breaks the stone without damaging the surrounding tissues.
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How is Lithotripsy Performed?
Lithotripsy is a small and quick procedure, especially when done under the guidance of an expert urologist. It significantly increases the efficiency and speed of your procedure. If you are planning to get a lithotripsy procedure done, then you will be treated on an outpatient basis, i.e. there is no need to stay at the hospital for days. You can generally go home on the same day of your procedure.
Before the procedure is started, you will be given local anaesthesia. A lithotripsy has to be done under sedation so that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Once all the preparation is done, the procedure starts. Shock waves are sent to the body until they reach the stone. They then break the stone into bits and fragments, which can pass through the urinary tract easily.
After your procedure is done, you will be monitored for almost 2 to 3 hours. Upon examining the successful dissolving of the stone, your doctor would give you a discharge. It is important to note that you will have to drink a lot of water after weeks of your lithotripsy to facilitate stone removal in the urine.
Benefits of Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy offers a plethora of benefits over the traditional treatment options. Some of the key benefits of Lithotripsy include:
- Non-invasive: An open surgery or invasive stone removal procedure is generally more tedious as it causes more pain and has a longer recovery period. On the other hand, minimally invasive stone removal procedures like Lithotripsy make the procedure much more comfortable.
- Effective For Different Stone Size: Lithotripsy can cure various stone sizes, from small to moderate and even large kidney stones and be removed using lithotripsy.
- Lower Chances of Complications: Compared to open surgery, lithotripsy has a lower chance of causing any post-operative complications.

Risks and Side Effects of Lithotripsy
While the risk factors are significantly minimised with a lithotripsy procedure, it can cause some side effects that should be kept in mind for effectively managing them. Some of the challenges associated with Lithotripsy include:
- Mild Discomfort- A patient can experience mild pain and discomfort when the broken stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.
- Blood in Urine- After a kidney stone removal procedure, seeing blood in your urine is normal and will be back to normal after some time.
- Urinary Tract Infection- If the instruments are not properly sanitised and have bacteria over them, there are chances of getting urinary tract infections.
- Recurring Kidney Stone- Though the chances of recurring kidney stones are lower once a lithotripsy is done, in some cases where the stone is not removed fully, multiple sessions have to be conducted.
Recovery and Aftercare
Taking proper care and recovery measures is crucial for ensuring a speedy recovery and preventing any post-operative complications. After the procedure, you will be monitored for around a couple of hours before sending you home. Your urologist will make sure that you are stable and have all the required pain management medications to ensure a comfortable rehabilitation.
It is common to experience post-surgery symptoms such as pain in the back and abdomen, blood in the urine, and mild bruising on the operated sight. It is paramount to take proper bed rest for a few days and not put pressure on the body.
Following up with your healthcare provider is crucial to get your overall health and recovery monitored. Lithotripsy Bangalore makes the recovery and rehabilitation much smoother and faster for the patients and they can generally resume their normal activities around two weeks after the procedure is done. It is, however, recommended to consult your healthcare provider for the right guidance.
Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Lithotripsy?
Gleneagles Hospital is one of the top hospitals for the best lithotripsy treatment in Bangalore and offers a broad spectrum of kidney treatment options. It provides not only the highest level of patient satisfaction rate, but the nephrology department works collaboratively to bring out the most successful kidney treatment and Lithotripsy Bangalore. A few reasons that make Gleneagles Hospital the leading option for best lithotripsy treatment in Bangalore include:
- Expert Team of Urologists
- Advanced Treatment Technology
- High Success Rates Throughout
- Comprehensive Patient Care
- Personalised Treatment Approach
- Affordable Lithotripsy Bangalore
If you are looking for a good hospital to get your kidney stones removed with a lithotripsy procedure, then consider visiting Gleneagles Hospital in Bangalore. The nephrology consultants will guide you on the entire treatment procedure for your personalised needs.
Our Doctors
View allDr Rajiv E N
Consultant - Nephrologist and Transplant Physician
MBBS, MD (Gen Medicine), DM (Nephrology)
Dr Anil Kumar B T
HOD and Sr Consultant - Nephrologist and Transplant Physician
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)
Dr Arun Kumar J
Consultant - Nephrologist
MBBS, MD (Gen Medicine), DNB (Gen Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)
Frequently Asked Questions
To find the best lithotripsy hospital, look for the technology they use and how experienced urologists they have, and consider other factors such as patient reviews and success rates for making an informed choice. Gleneagles Hospital comes up with all the expectations of the best lithotripsy hospital in Bangalore.
Lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure with very little to no health complications. Some mild risk factors include urine blood, pain, and chances of getting UTIs. Following the guidance of your urologist, and taking proper medication and required lifestyle changes can help in further reducing the risks.
As such, there are no major dietary restrictions after lithotripsy. However, patients are advised to take soft, semi-solid food and avoid any hard food items. Taking a lot of water is necessary. It is advised to avoid food rich in oxalate or nuts and chocolate for recurrence stones.
Yes, if the kidney stones recur, a person can have multiple lithotripsy procedures to ensure that all the stones are removed from the body. There is no problem in having more than one lithotripsy as it is the most minimally invasive treatment for kidney stone removal.
No, lithotripsy cannot damage the kidney. It is considered a safe & effective procedure for removing kidney stones. In some cases where repetitive lithotripsy is done, the patient might develop certain kidney issues which can be treated with proper medication.