Urology

Urological Conditions

Treatment of Kidney Stones

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most frequently used procedure for the treatment of kidney stones. A machine called a lithotripter creates shock waves that travel through the body until they hit the dense stones and break them into small particles. These particles can be easily passed through the urinary tract in the urine.

There are several types of lithotripters. Most use either x-rays or ultrasound to help the urologist locate the stone during treatment. The shock waves are harmless and painless. Although patients having EWSL may be given anesthesia (general or regional), the procedure itself is often done on an outpatient basis and requires only a short recovery period.

After ESWL treatment, most people have blood in their urine for a few days. They may also have bruising on the back or abdomen and discomfort as the shattered stone particles pass through the urinary tract. Sometimes a stent (a small tube) is inserted through the bladder into the ureter to help the fragments pass. If the stone isn’t completely shattered with one treatment, additional ones may be needed.