Post SWL

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How SWL Breaks Down Stones:

Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is effective in breaking down kidney stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to be naturally passed out of the body through the urinary tract. Here’s how SWL works to break down stones:

Shockwave Delivery

The high-energy shockwaves generated by the lithotripter are focused on the targeted kidney stones. When the shockwaves encounter the stones, they create intense pressure, causing them to crack and break into smaller pieces.

Fragmentation Process

The pressure created by the shockwaves disrupts the crystal structure of the stones, turning them into smaller fragments. These stone fragments are now more manageable and can be more easily passed through the urinary system.

Natural Passage

The smaller stone fragments will travel down the ureter and into the bladder, where they will eventually be expelled from the body during urination.

Managing Stone Fragments in the Urinary Tract:

After the SWL procedure, the smaller stone fragments will begin to pass through the urinary tract. While this is a natural process, there are some considerations to keep in mind to manage the passage of stone fragments:

Pain management

As the stone fragments move through the urinary tract, you may experience mild discomfort or pain. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort
during this period.

Increased Urination

As the stone fragments move through the urinary tract, you may experience mild discomfort or pain. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort
during this period.

Observation

As the stone fragments move through the urinary tract, you may experience mild discomfort or pain. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort
during this period.

Strainer Usage

As the stone fragments move through the urinary tract, you may experience mild discomfort or pain. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort
during this period.

Follow-Up Imaging

As the stone fragments move through the urinary tract, you may experience mild discomfort or pain. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort
during this period.

Fluid Intake and Its Importance:

Fluid intake is essential during the post-SWL recovery period. Adequate hydration is crucial for a few reasons:

Stone Fragment Passage:

Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the smaller stone fragments from the urinary tract, facilitating their natural passage.

Preventing Dehydration

Hydration is vital for overall health and well-being, and it helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to complications and hinder the body’s natural healing process.

Preventing New Stone Formation

Staying well-hydrated can also help reduce the risk of new stone formation in the future. Diluted urine is
less likely to promote the crystallization of minerals and salts that lead to stone development.