complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Possible complications include:

• haematuria - common, and may last for 48-72 hours
• ureteric colic:
• from passage of stone fragments
• 5-10% require further operative intervention such as the insertion of a JJ stent to permit the stones to pass
• septicaemia - uncommon if antibiotic prophylaxis is given prior to lithotripsy
• renal rupture - rare

Other disadvantages include:

• expense - the initial outlay for equipment is substantial
• poor response of hard stones - urate, calcium oxalate monohydrate and cystine stones
• not suitable for patients with bladder diverticulae as the fragments are unlikely to pass
• contraindicated in pregnancy - because of the theoretical risk of foetal damage