Lithotripsy

Al Kindi Hospital’s lithotripsy or stone fragmentation department is one of the leading centers in Jordan and the region because of its outstanding medical staff and state-of-the-art lithotripsy equipment in the best scientific and medical ways to get the best results.

What are urinary stones?

They are small rocks formed in the urinary tract (kidneys, urethra, bladder and urethra) of salts and minerals in the urine. The most common are calcium stones.

Stones vary in size, and in most cases are too small to be felt and come out of the body alone without pain. However, they can accumulate within the urinary tract and form larger stones.

If the stones in the urinary tract move with the flow of urine, they can cause severe pain, and may become large enough to prevent urine flow, causing pain and infections.

If the stone is not treated, it can cause significant damage to the kidneys and other urinary tract organs.

Why are stones formed in the urinary tract?

Stones are formed when the balance of salts and minerals in the urine is disrupted, either because the proportion of these salts is high or because of the lack of fluid in the body. When this balance is disturbed, salts or minerals are concentrated in the urine in high quantities and are collected in the urinary tract to form crystals (stones).

Factors that can contribute to the formation of stones in the urinary tract:

Overeating any of the above salts or minerals.
Take very small amounts of fluids.
Excessive use of certain medications (e.g. diuretics, antacids and thyroid drugs);
Chronic urinary tract infections.
Some genetic diseases.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract stones?

Many stones are too small to cause obvious symptoms. But if causes blockage or moves in the urinary tract, the following symptoms may appear:

– Back pain on one or both sides.
– Severe pain spasms (anywhere between the lower chest and thigh).
– The appearance of blood in the urine or foul smell.
– nausea and vomiting.
– Frequent desire to urinate.
– burning sensation while urinating.

How can the formation of stones be prevented?

Medical studies suggest that drinking large amounts of fluid may reduce the risk of stone formation in the urinary tract. In addition, once you have been diagnosed with stones and the cause is known, your doctor may recommend using medications or diet changes to help prevent the recurrence of stones.

Services provided in the lithotripsy unit

The lithotripsy unit at Al Kindi Hospital is characterized by the use of state-of-the-art urology techniques, which are a safe alternative to surgical procedures. The lithotripsy unit is located on the first floor of Al Kindi Hospital.

The most important services provided by the Unit include:

lithotripsy using electromagnetic shock wave technology, regardless of the size and severity of the stones, in the following cases:

– Fragmentation of kidney stones.
– Fragmentation of bladder stones.
– Breaking up the stones of the ureter.

Providing medical consultations to patients under the supervision of highly qualified specialists in urology.

Devices used in the gravel fragmentation section

In the lithotripsy unit at al-Kindi Hospital specialists use StorZ Medical, a swiss device that uses electromagnetic collision wave technology to break up kidney stones, and it is one of the latest devices used in this field.

device features:

– High weight tolerance up to 225 kg, plus penetration of up to 180 mm.
– The process of breaking up stones for children can be performed completely safely.
– Perform lithotripsy without the need for anesthesia, and use only some analgesics orally or intravenously before starting to break up the stones.
– The duration of the operation does not exceed 30-40 minutes, after which the patient can leave the hospital without the need for a bed or hospital admission.
– After the process of breaking up stones, the stones will come down in the form of soft crumbs and not granules to fade the feeling of pain.
– High accuracy in targeting and breaking stones to ensure minimal damage to the kidneys, with a success rate of up to 90% of the first session (depending on the size, type and location of the stone).

Make an appointment

The first treatment session is usually scheduled by the doctor who recommended that you be transferred to the lithotripsy unit. In general, an appointment can be obtained within a few days. After the first treatment session, if necessary, patients will be reminded of the date and time of follow-up sessions.

Patients wishing to make a new appointment or change the current appointment can do so by calling the number of the lithotripsy unit at Al Kindi Hospital.

Procedures to be followed by the patient before the procedure of stone fragmentation

– Your doctor will explain the procedures to be followed and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the nature of the procedure.
– You will be asked to sign a consent form granting permission to take action. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is unclear.
– In addition to a full medical history, your doctor may perform a full clinical examination to ensure that you are healthy before undergoing stone fragmentation, and may undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
– Tell your doctor all the medications and supplements you take permanently before you have a stone break-up.
– You may receive analgesics before you break up the stone to help you relax.
– Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may request that you attend other stone break-up sessions.

Is stone fragmentation suitable for all patients?

Yes. The procedure is suitable for most patients with kidney, ureter or bladder stones and for all ages, with the following exceptions:

Depending on the size, number, location and composition of the gravel, some patients may need other types of treatment.
stone fragmentation should not be performed during pregnancy.

Features of the gravel fragmentation unit at Al Kindi Hospital

– These devices are operated by trained and distinguished medical and technical staff in this field to ensure that our patients get accurate and effective results in the fragmentation of stones.
– To provide consultations to patients with urinary stones on an ongoing prevention, treatment and follow-up mechanism.
– A lithotripsy session is performed as a day case without the need for hospitalization, without surgery or anesthesia, at affordable prices.

AL kindi Hospital | Amman

We hope that this site helps users to know our services that we provide to you and your visitors.
We provide a wide range of general and specialized medical services and have an excellent reputation for providing high quality healthcare.

Through your stay, we will treat you as a special individual, so that we take all your needs into account, as we deal transparently and regardless of your gender, race, age and status.

We strive to make Al-Kindi Hospital a safe and welcoming place for its visitors, and we embrace a culture of dignity and respect surrounding each of our patients and staff members.