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Subject: Re: Lithotripsy
Forum: The Urology Forum
I had lithotripsy in 1989 for a rather large stone in the pelvis of my left kidney. It took 3,000 shocks to break it up. I am now 42 and have to take blood pressure medication. The hypertension started after the lithotripsy. I know there may be a connection but what about kidney damage? Is there any evidence that ESWL causes any damage to the kidneys? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Tina,
ESWL as you know gives shocks to the stone in the kidney to break it up. The surrounding kidney tissue receives some shock wave energy as well. In the short run, a bruise to the kidney develops. This resolves in several weeks. Permanent kidney damage is extremely uncommon ( < 1% ) of the time.
In direct anwer to your question, the current thinking is that ESWL does not cause high blood pressure. There is such a high incidence of hypertension in the community that many patients develop this condition with or without lithotrypsy. For some people, kidney stones are present as well. Therefore the blood pressure problems develop after the treatment of their stones. Therfore, they think that the two (stones and ESWL) are related. Most studies indicate that ESWL does not cause high blood pressure.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568). HFHS M.D. - KR
*keyword: lithotripsy, high blood pressure
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