A popular kidney stone removal method, lithotripsy, has been shown to increase risk of diabetes and high blood pressure according to one recent study. This 19-year study by the Mayo Clinic identified that blasting kidney stones with shock waves increased patient risks of diabetes by four times and increased development of high blood pressure or hypertension by 50%.
Approximately one million U.S. patients have been treated with Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). Researchers believe this shock wave therapy may scar the kidneys and increase the production and secretion of hormones.
Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits found in or near the kidneys. About 10% of men and 5% of women develop single or multiple kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause severe abdominal pain and may eventually obstruct the flow of urine. In most cases, treatment, such as invasive surgery or lithotripsy is necessary to pass the stones larger than 6mm out of the body.
