Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves (also called shock waves) to break a stone into small pieces that can more easily travel through the urinary tract and pass out from the body. After locating the position of the stone with X-rau or ultrasound, shockwaves are applied to 'shake' and fragment the stones. ESWL treatment can be used to treat urinary stones in the kidney and ureter.
This procedure takes about 1 hour, and is often done as a Day Surgery or Outpatient Procedure. Intravenous analgesia is given to ensure a pain free experience. This procedure is very safe and causes no significant damage to the kidney. It can be repeated and may have to be repeated for larger or harder stones.
