Procedures

ESWL (Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy)

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. The stone usually is reduced to sand-like granules that can be passed in the patient's urine.

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. Large stones may require several ESWL treatments.