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Shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment that breaks a kidney stone into smaller pieces that are easier to pass. This treatment is also called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

You may go home the day of surgery, or you may stay in the hospital for 1 or more days. The length of your stay is based on the surgery you had.

A central line is often used instead of a standard I.V. line when you need treatment for longer than a week or so. The line can send medicine or nutrition right into your bloodstream.

It’s important to care for your central venous access device correctly. Here's how.

Anemia is a health problem that affects your blood. Normally, the kidneys make a protein called erythropoietin. It tells your body when to make new red blood cells. But if you have kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to make enough of this protein. You may also not have enough iron in your body. Iron is vital to making red blood cells.

The brain controls the entire body, from regulating breathing and blood pressure to enabling you to move and speak.

Appoint a family spokesperson to serve as the link between the ICU team and family members. This helps protect your loved one's privacy and saves time for nurses. Also, you can help make your loved ones feel more comfortable. Talk with the nurse to find out what you can do. Your loved one may need rest most of all. And don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe. If someone you care about is on a ventilator, you can find some answers to your questions here.

Your body needs calcium to build and repair bones. But it can't make calcium on its own. That's why it's important to eat calcium-rich foods. Some foods are naturally rich in calcium. Others have calcium added.