POST ESWL/STENT PLACEMENT SURGERY INSTRUCTION SHEET

DEFINITIONS:

ESWL stands for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.  Water waves are used to fracture stones in the urinary tract.  A ureteral stent is a hollow plastic tube that runs between the kidney and bladder.  It prevents stone fragments from blocking the ureter.  Not all patients who undergo ESWL will have a stent placed.  The decision to place a stent is determined by your urologist at the time of surgery.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Despite the fact that no skin incisions were used, the flank area may be bruised and tender from the water waves hitting the skin and deeper tissues. The stent is a foreign body which will irritate the bladder wall. This irritation is manifested by increased frequency of urination, both day and night, and also an increase in the urge to urinate. In some, the urge to urinate is present almost always. Sometimes the urge is strong enough that you may not be able to stop yourself from urinating. The only real cure is to remove the stent and then give time for the bladder wall to heal which can't be done until the danger of the ureter swelling shut has passed. (Varies from 3-21 days).

You may see some blood in your urine after the procedure. Do not be alarmed, even if the urine was clear for a while. Get off your feet and drink lots of fluids until clearing occurs. If you start to pass clots or don't improve, call us.

DIET:

You may return to your normal diet immediately. Because of the bladder irritability, alcohol, spicy foods, acidy foods and drinks with caffeine may cause irritation or frequency and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (8 - 10 glasses). Tip: Avoid Cranberry Juice -- very acidy!!

ACTIVITY:

Your physical activity doesn't need to be restricted. However, if you are very active, you may see some blood in the urine. We would suggest to cut down your activity under these circumstances until the bleeding has stopped.

BOWELS:

It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. Straining with bowel movements can cause bleeding. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative if needed, such as Milk of Magnesia 2-3 Tablespoons, or 2 Dulcolax tablets. Call if you continue to have problems. If you had been taking narcotics for pain, before, during or after your surgery, you may be constipated. Take a laxative if necessary.

MEDICATION:

You should resume your pre-surgery medications unless told not to. In addition you will often be given an antibiotic to prevent infection. These should be taken as prescribed until the bottles are finished unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US: