Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Treats 500 Patients with Pain-free Lithotripsy

Who can benefit from lithotripsy treatment for kidney and urinary stones, and how is the procedure performed painlessly? Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has treated 500 patients with this non-invasive technology, offering an accessible alternative to surgery for residents across Gujarat.

What Do You Need Before You Start Lithotripsy Treatment?

Before undergoing lithotripsy at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, patients should have the following documents and preparations ready:

• Medical referral and diagnosis reports: A urologist’s diagnosis confirming kidney or urinary tract stones is necessary. Patients can obtain this from the Civil Hospital’s Urology Department or other registered clinics.
• Identification and address proof: Government-issued ID such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or ration card, along with proof of residence in Ahmedabad or surrounding districts like Gandhinagar, Kheda, or Mehsana.
• Ayushman Bharat card (if applicable): Treatment is fully free for Ayushman cardholders. Non-cardholders can avail of subsidized rates.
• Pre-treatment tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies (ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan) are mandatory to assess stone size, location, and patient suitability. These tests can be done at the hospital’s pathology and radiology departments.
• Appointment booking: Patients should schedule an appointment in advance by contacting the Urology Department at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, located on the hospital’s 5th floor. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability.
• Consent form: Patients must sign a consent form acknowledging the procedure details and risks, provided by the hospital staff during admission.

How Is Lithotripsy Performed? Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial consultation and evaluation: The patient meets the urologist who reviews diagnostic tests and determines suitability for lithotripsy, considering stone size, number, and location.
2. Pre-procedure preparation: Patients are instructed to fast for 6 hours prior and to arrange transportation home as they may feel mild discomfort post-procedure.
3. Admission and positioning: On the day of treatment, patients are admitted to the Urology Department. They lie on a specialized lithotripter table that allows precise targeting of stones using X-ray or ultrasound guidance.
4. Shock wave application: The lithotripter generates focused shock waves that pass through the skin and body tissues, fragmenting the stones into smaller pieces without any incision or anesthesia in most cases.
5. Monitoring and post-procedure care: After the 30-60 minute session, patients are monitored for vital signs and any immediate side effects such as mild pain or hematuria (blood in urine).
6. Discharge and follow-up: Most patients are discharged within 1-2 hours and advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush out stone fragments. A follow-up appointment is scheduled after 2 weeks to assess stone clearance via ultrasound.

What Are the Fees, Timeline, and Validity of Lithotripsy at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital?

The cost of lithotripsy at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is substantially lower than private facilities, making it affordable for a wide demographic:

• Fees: Non-Ayushman patients pay around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per session. Those holding an Ayushman Bharat card receive the treatment completely free of cost.
• Timeline: The entire treatment process, from initial consultation to stone clearance confirmation, spans approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Most stones are cleared in one session, but 16% of patients may require a second session.
• Validity: The initial diagnostic reports are valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Patients should complete treatment within this timeframe for best results.

What Are Common Questions About Lithotripsy at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital?

1. Is lithotripsy painful?
   The procedure is generally painless as it is non-invasive and does not require cuts or anesthesia. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness after treatment, which subsides within hours.
2. Who is eligible for lithotripsy?
   Patients with stones smaller than 2 cm located in the kidneys or upper urinary tract are ideal candidates. Those with bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or certain infections may not qualify.
3. How soon can I return to normal activities?
   Patients can usually resume daily activities within 1 to 2 hours post-procedure, though strenuous physical exertion should be avoided for a few days.

What Tips Should Patients Know and What Common Mistakes Should They Avoid?

• Ensure all pre-procedure tests and imaging are completed accurately to avoid delays.
• Follow fasting and medication instructions strictly on the day of the procedure.
• Stay well-hydrated before and after treatment to facilitate stone fragment passage.
• Avoid missing follow-up appointments; incomplete treatment can lead to stone recurrence.
• Do not ignore symptoms like severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating post-procedure; seek immediate medical attention.

Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s Urology Department, part of the 1200-bed government facility located near Civil Hospital Circle, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, provides this lithotripsy service to improve kidney health for thousands in Gujarat. Patients can contact the hospital’s appointment desk at 079-2268 0000 or visit https://civilhospitalahmedabad.in/urology-department for more information and booking.

This initiative complements other health programs in Ahmedabad, such as the New Obesity Unit at Civil Hospital and distribution of Nutritional Kits to TB Patients, highlighting the hospital’s role in comprehensive community health.

For patients suffering from kidney or urinary stones, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital offers a cost-effective, pain-free, and efficient solution through lithotripsy. Early consultation and proper follow-up can ensure you return to a pain-free life without the risks and costs associated with surgery.