Potential Complications and Risks
Side Effects
- Blood in the urine: It’s common for patients to notice a light pink hue to their urine post-procedure due to the passage of stone fragments.
- Bruising and pain: The skin over the treatment area might exhibit some bruising. Patients may also experience pain as stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.
Infection
Although infrequent, there is a risk of infection after the procedure. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, chills, and persistent pain.
Blockage
Fragments of the stone can occasionally block the ureter, causing pain and potentially leading to kidney damage.
Injury to the kidney or surrounding organs
The shock waves used in ESWL can cause minor damage to the kidney, which usually heals on its own. In rare cases, it may lead to more severe complications.
Incomplete stone fragmentation
ESWL might not break up larger stones completely. In such cases, additional treatments may be required.
Hypertension or diabetes
There’s some evidence suggesting a potential link between ESWL and the onset or worsening of hypertension and diabetes. However, the connection is not firmly established, and ongoing research aims to clarify these associations.