A patient should be monitored for intra-abdominal complications following Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). The patient should be instructed to report abdominal pain or other symptoms.
Intra-abdominal complications of ESWL may include:
(1) subcapsular hematoma, which can cause intra-abdominal hemorrhage
(2) pancreatic trauma
(3) kidney rupture
(4) splenic hematoma
The risk of injury is greater if:
(1) the organ is in close proximity to the stone being treated
(2) there is pathology in the organ prior to the procedure
(3) aggressive ESWL herapy
The patient may present with:
(1) pain
(2) fall in hematocrit
(3) rise in amylase or lipase
(4) abnormal liver function tests
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