Percutaneous Lithotripsy

[Soggy]

I will be having a renal percutaneous shock-wave lithotripsy sometime this winter to get rid of some stones in the lower pole of my kidney. The stones are formed because of a mechanical problem relating to a UPJ obstruction when I was a small child that now has led to a permanent and mild hydronefrosis of one kidney.

I have been through 4 ESWLs in the past and was wondering if anyone here had any experience with the PSWL procedure....recovery time, back to work time, back to diving time, pain, etc.

 

[plsdiver4377]

Just wanted to wish you luck. But, sorry, I haven't had the pleasure of that one yet and hope I don't have to. I have had 4 sessions in the portable Lithotriptor to bust up 3 stones ranging in size from 15x8mm to 18x22mm. To date from those stones and others since I have passed enough to gravel a small driveway. At last count it was at 176 . Let me know how it goes and what the procedure is like.

Cheers

 

[Soggy]

I know that "gravelly feeling!"

I had 4 sessions lithotripsy (ESWL) sessions a few years ago, but due to the location and size of the stones, not all of the sediment passed. The worst part was having the stent placed and removed....ugh. This procedure is much more invasive and involves a scistoscopy (sp) and a hole in my back where they manually remove the stones, hopefully without needing to break them up any.

 

[plsdiver4377]

I guess I was lucky (I use that term loosely)I could pass them, no stints. Just an incredible amount of pain on occasion. Passing one at 82' down is not part of a recommended dive plan. :mean:

It sounds like it wont exactly be a pain free procedure. I do hope the recovery time will be brief. What have the doctors recommended to help alleviate the formation of stones in your case?