If you have recently had an ESWL procedure to treat your kidney stone, you may be wondering what kind of follow up care is necessary. The purpose of an ESWL is to break up the kidney stone and make it easy to pass through the urinary tract. The success of the procedure will depend on a few factors, including the size and composition of the stone, as well as the patient’s medical history. This blog post will provide an overview of what is ESWL, and the types of follow up care that may be necessary after an ESWL procedure.
Keep an Eye on Your Kidneys
After an ESWL procedure, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, you might feel a bit sore and bruised, but that doesn’t mean you can immediately go back to your regular routine. One follow-up care that’s often overlooked is keeping an eye on your kidneys. As a part of ESWL, kidney stones are broken apart and the small fragments are passed out of the body with urine. During this process, it’s important to monitor your kidney function to ensure that it isn’t being adversely affected by the procedure.
Monitor Your Urine
After an ESWL procedure, it’s important to monitor your urine for discoloration, blood, and other changes in appearance. By doing this, you can ensure that you are not experiencing any post-treatment problems or complications. You should also be on the lookout for any signs of infection, such as pain or burning sensations when urinating, cloudy urine, and a strong-smelling urine. If any of these symptoms arise, be sure to contact your doctor for a follow up visit.
Stay Hydrated
After undergoing an ESWL procedure, it is essential to focus on your follow up care. One of the key steps to ensure a successful recovery is to stay hydrated. ESWL uses powerful sound waves to break up small kidney stones, and drinking plenty of fluids helps flush the stone fragments out of your body. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol.
Conclusion.
It is important to remember that ESWL is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal side effects and a very low risk of complications. However, it is still important to follow up with your doctor to ensure that the procedure was successful and that no additional care is required. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to avoid activities that put strain on your kidneys to ensure that your health remains optimal.
