Overview
You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before the Lithotripsy procedure. Wear comfortable clothing so that you can change easily into a surgical gown for the surgery. The entire Lithotripsy procedure may take approximately one hour.
You will receive local anesthesia with sedation to minimize pain and discomfort however, at the same time you will be required to stay still during the procedure. You might experience a mild tapping sensation during the procedure. There might be mild discomfort or pain during the procedure.
There are two techniques available that are equally effective and widely used at most medical facilities. One method is that you will lay on a soft cushion through which the shock waves pass. About 2 - 8 thousand shock waves are needed to crush and fragment the stone in a single procedure.
The second method is you will be asked to lay in a special tub filled with warm water, stones will be located and visualized by x-ray or ultrasound and shock waves will be directed from the Lithotripsy machine called Lithotripter. These shock waves will pass through your skin and are completely harmless. The procedure described above is that of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.
For, an endoscope or Cystoscope is used to get close to the stone inside the urinary tract and laser waves are applied to fragment the stone into small particles. ICSWL or Laser Lithotripsy is usually performed when the technique fails.
The sand like particles of the stone are either fished out in a basket attached to the Cystoscope and extracted out or they are passed out naturally during urination. Sometimes a stent is inserted in the ureter to keep it patent and facilitate the passage of stone fragments and debris with the urine, over the next few days.
You will spend the next couple of hours in the recovery room under observation for bleeding or any other immediate complications. You will be allowed to go home after one or two days following the procedure.
Neurological Assessment
Key factors contributing to India's development into a global hub for medical tourism: Many foreigners have made India their home and began to spread the word about Indian medical services, early success enabled investment in advanced medical equipment and technology, international accreditation of Indian hospitals, high numbers of internationally trained, English-speaking Indian
doctors, exorbitant healthcare costs in western countries, no waiting lists for surgery in countries with government regulated healthcare, excellent service levels in countries with nationalized health care, plane tickets to India have become more affordable. India's reputation as the Land of Smiles: friendly people, superb beaches and fantastic food.
India excels in providing lithotripsy surgery with private medical, surgical services and vacations that are no one's business but your own.
What Patients Should Confirm
Patients should confirm MRI or CT findings, neurological symptoms, previous treatment, surgical risks, rehabilitation needs, and expected monitoring after discharge.
Before requesting a medical opinion, keep recent reports, imaging files, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and a short symptom timeline ready. This helps the specialist review the case without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Travel And Follow-Up Planning
International patients should ask about visa documents, attendant needs, estimated hospital stay, nearby accommodation, fitness-to-fly advice, and how follow-up will continue after returning home.
Forerunners Healthcare can coordinate hospital options, doctor review, appointment planning, travel support, and cost estimates while keeping the final medical decision with the treating specialist.
Care Planning Checklist
Before confirming treatment, patients should share recent reports, imaging, prescriptions, allergy details, previous discharge summaries, and a short timeline of symptoms or diagnosis. This helps the hospital team give a clearer medical opinion and a more realistic cost estimate.
Patients should also confirm the expected hospital stay, attendant needs, visa documents, airport transfers, accommodation near the hospital, payment inclusions, and what may change if extra tests or a longer stay are required.
Follow-up planning should be discussed before travel. Ask what warning signs need urgent attention, when flying is usually reviewed, how medicines or dressings will be managed, and how the treating team will coordinate after the patient returns home.
