How Much Water Should I Drink after Lithotripsy

by Jay | Posted on October 27th, 2022

Stones in the ureters, gallbladder, or kidneys are very common. Tiny stones may pass through the urinary tract unnoticed. However, severe pain and a blockage in urine flow might result from kidney or ureter stones that are too large.


Kidney stones can be passed, and future stones can be prevented by drinking enough fluids. The liquid has multiple benefits, including removing harmful pollutants and facilitating the passage of stones and grit via the urinary tract. This article will discuss some safe beverages for you to drink after lithotripsy.

Female assistant adjusts ultrasound transducer before kidney lithotripsy procedure | Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for remove the stones from kidney.

What is the lithotripsy procedure for?

Kidney and urinary tract disease might develop if stones are not passed. An alternative to medicine is lithotripsy therapy, which uses shock waves to shatter the stones into fragments small enough to be passed into the urine.

ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) and laser lithotripsy are the two most common forms of lithotripsy. Since a ureteroscope is used, laser lithotripsy is sometimes referred to as flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL).

Male assistant adjusts shock wave lithotripter before kidney stones treatment | Lithotripsy is non-surgical kidney stones breaking procedure.

The recommended fluid intake after surgery is 6-8 glasses in 8 hours or 2-3 liters over 24 hours. Resuming one’s regular diet is also recommended.

Beverages you can consume after lithotripsy

If you are unsure what fluids you can drink after the lithotripsy procedure, you can refer to this list.

Squeezed lemons

There are many other advantages to drinking lemon juice. It has Vitamin C and helps prevent the spread of bacteria. Citrate, found in lemons, acts as a chemical barrier that stops the formation of calcium stones.

Although it would likely take a lot of lemon juice to make a noticeable difference, it could be beneficial. Hence, your water is better with a freshly squeezed lemon juice splash.

Apple cider vinegar

In addition to helping the kidneys function more efficiently, apple cider vinegar may also reduce the discomfort the stones bring. One laboratory study showed apple cider vinegar could prevent kidney stones from forming.

However, further research is required to determine whether or not vinegar may achieve the same results on kidney stones once they are within the human body. For this cure, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 to 8 ounces of water and drink it twice daily.

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient used in various ways, such as a salad topping or a homemade dressing. However, do not drink more than one 8-ounce glass of this concoction daily. Damage to tooth enamel, acid reflux, and a scratchy throat are some side effects of drinking too much apple cider vinegar.

Juice made from celery.

The usage of celery in treating kidney stones is credited to various forms of alternative medicine. Consume the juice extracted from blending a few stalks of celery with water.

Women who developed kidney stones consumed less celery than women who did not get stones, according to one study. Furthermore, a 2019 rat study indicated that celery extract effectively dissolves kidney stones.

Basil juice

Basil juice is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect renal function. It has several health benefits and is quite nutritious. This treatment has historical use for gastrointestinal and inflammatory problems. However, there is scant data to back up this treatment.

Make a tea out of fresh or dried basil leaves and consume multiple cups daily to try it. Fresh basil can also be juiced or blended into a smoothie. While there isn’t much data on its effectiveness in treating kidney stones, it’s worth a go.

Pomegranate juice

People have been drinking pomegranate juice for generations to help their kidneys work better. In addition to eliminating stones, it will also remove other harmful substances from your body. Its high antioxidant content contributes to general kidney health and may have a role in warding off kidney stone formation.

It also decreases your urine’s acidity. A decrease in urine acidity is associated with a decreased chance of developing kidney stones. While more research is needed to determine if pomegranate juice or extract is effective in reducing kidney stones, one animal study conducted in 2014 suggests that it may be. Results showed a reduced chance of developing kidney stones.

What to expect after lithotripsy

The lithotriptor attempts to break up kidney stones using an externally applied, focused, high-intensity acoustic pulse

Here are some common discomforts you may feel after lithotripsy.

Burning feeling when urinating

Stone particles might cause a burning feeling when urinating. If you notice blood in your pee, don’t worry; it’s normal. Drink more water to dilute your blood and alleviate the pain.

Bruising on the injection site

A small bruise at the injection site may occur.

Occurrence of mild back pain

A warm bath has the potential to ease any pain or stiffness. Take two Tylenol (the plain kind) every four hours for minor pain. A urologist may recommend pain medication, which should be taken as prescribed for moderate pain. If you are experiencing significant pain after lithotripsy and your medicine is not helping, you should contact your urologist or go to the local emergency room.

Dos and don’ts after lithotripsy

There are things you should and should not do after undergoing lithotripsy. 

  • Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you’ve taken a prescription pain reliever within the past 24 hours.
  • Take any medicine with a full glass of water. Taking this action may hasten the process of the substances passing through your digestive system.
  • You shouldn’t take medicines if you’re expecting a baby or nursing. If you or your baby are concerned about potential adverse effects from drinking a certain juice, consult with your doctor.
  • You should refrain from vigorous activities 24 hours after the treatment, including exercise and work. Unless your urologist tells you differently, you can return to your regular routine. You should get up and about as much as possible, as this will allow the stones to pass swiftly as you move.
  • If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, you must complete the whole course of treatment. Unless instructed otherwise, you should keep taking any other prescribed medications you were already taking before therapy.
  • If ever you feel a never-ending pain that cannot be alleviated by medicine
  • It is recommended to strain urine to collect stones for analysis. You should strain your urine for two weeks, or at least until you haven’t passed any stones in a few days. It may take 4–6 weeks for a patient to begin passing stone fragments. Bring all the stone pieces to your next urologist appointment.

Please contact your Urologist or visit your local emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Irremediable chronic pain
  • Chills for no apparent reason
  • Clots of blood may be seen in the urine
  • Nausea and vomiting that won’t go away
  • The onset of a high temperature (above 38 degrees Celsius / 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)

Jay

Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."