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Programs & Services

Kidney Stone Centre

Shockwave Lithotripsy: Preparing for Shockwave Lithotripsy

Certain important steps must be taken prior to treatment to ensure the best chance for a successful treatment and avoid cancellations. The following list outlines the necessary steps that must be arranged by your doctor prior to Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL).

  • The kidneys and urinary tract must be imaged with a CT scan with or without contrast within the last year to ensure that the stone is within the urinary tract and that there is no abnormality that would preclude treatment with SWL. An ultrasound alone is inadequate. A plain X-ray (KUB) is also required to ensure that the stones are visible on X-rays.  X-ray, not CT is used to target the stones during treatment.
  • All CTs and X-rays of the abdomen and urinary tract done at outside hospitals should be picked up and brought to The Kidney Stone Centre at St Michaels’s Hospital on the day of treatment.
  • Most medications can be taken the morning of treatment with a small glass of water.
  • Patients must stop all aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and all other arthritis medications, one week before SWL.
  • Diabetics will have an early morning appointment. They should not take their diabetic medication the morning of treatment. However, this medication should be brought with them to the unit.
  • The urine must be tested for infection within 28 days of treatment.
  • If an infection is found, it must be successfully treated before SWL.
  • Patients over 45 years of age need an electrocardiogram (ECG) within one month of treatment. This must be brought to the unit on the day of treatment.
  • Patients must not take any food, milk or juice for eight hours prior to treatment. Small sips of water may be taken up to two hours before check in time.
  • Patients must have a responsible adult available to take them homes after treatment.
  • Patients travelling more than three hours are advised to stay in Toronto overnight and to arrange accommodations before treatment dates. Please call the lithotripsy unit at 416-864-3030 or at 1-800-263-2885 for more information on special hotel rates.

The following should be brought on the day of treatment:

  • Abdominal X-rays and CT scan.
  • Urine culture result.
  • Twenty-four hour urine collection.
  • ECG (if over 45 years old).
  • Any blood tests ordered by the family doctor.
  • A recent letter from your Cardiologist or Family Doctor about your heart, if you have a heart condition.
  • Medications or list of current medications.
  • Ontario Health Card.