Frequently asked questions

Will the treatment hurt?

You'll be under IV sedation during shockwave lithotripsy, so you're comfortable and relaxed throughout — most people describe only a tapping sensation, if anything. Afterward, as fragments pass over the following days, you may feel mild flank soreness or brief colicky episodes, which usually settle within a week.

Will I be put to sleep?

General anesthesia usually isn't needed in the office setting. The procedure is typically done under IV sedation (monitored anesthesia care), which keeps you comfortable while avoiding the heavier recovery of general anesthesia.

How many sessions will I need?

Many stones clear in a single session, but a larger or denser stone may need a second (occasionally a third) treatment. Because there's no incision, repeating it is straightforward. We'll give you an honest estimate up front based on your stone's size and density.

What if it doesn't work the first time?

If a stone isn't fully cleared, options include a repeat shockwave session or switching to ureteroscopy. The AUA guideline supports a second SWL attempt, then ureteroscopy if needed. We'll discuss the best next step for your specific situation.

Will I pass a stone afterward, and how will it feel?

Yes — the goal is to fragment the stone into pieces small enough to pass in your urine over the following days to weeks. You may notice some blood in the urine and occasional mild colic as fragments move. Staying well hydrated helps them clear.

Can I drive home? Go to work the next day?

You can't drive yourself home because of the sedation, so arrange a ride. Many people return to normal activities within a day or two, though this varies with how you feel as fragments pass.

Is it covered by insurance?

Shockwave lithotripsy for kidney stones is a standard, widely covered urologic treatment. Coverage specifics depend on your plan; our office can help you understand what to expect before treatment.

What if my stone is uric acid, very hard, large, or in the lower pole?

These details genuinely change the plan. Uric acid stones are low-density and often fragment easily — and can sometimes be dissolved without any procedure. Very hard (high-density) stones, large stones, and some lower-pole stones may be better treated with ureteroscopy or PCNL. That's exactly what we assess from your CT before recommending anything.

How is this different from a urologist using ureteroscopy?

Ureteroscopy passes a scope up through the bladder and ureter to reach the stone, usually under general anesthesia and usually leaving a stent. Shockwave lithotripsy treats the stone from outside the body — no scope, no incision, and usually no stent. Ureteroscopy has a higher single-session stone-free rate; shockwave lithotripsy has fewer complications and an easier recovery. The right choice depends on your stone.

Why choose an office-based treatment over a hospital?

Office-based care means same-day, on-site imaging, prompt scheduling without long hospital waits, a calmer setting, and typically sedation rather than general anesthesia. When hospital-based care genuinely is the right call, we coordinate that for you.