ESWL is a non-invasive surgical procedure used to treat kidney stones. High-energy shock waves are transmitted outside the body to break up kidney stones.
What is ESWL?
The introduction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the early 1980s revolutionized the treatment of patients with kidney stones.
The more formal name of ESWL is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. Extracorporeal means that it occurs outside the body. Lithotripsy comes from the Greek words ‘stone’ (litho) and ‘crushing’ (trypsis). Healthcare providers use shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to treat kidney stones.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure for breaking kidney stones with a series of shock waves generated by a lithotripter machine.
The shock waves enter the body and are targeted using an X-ray. The purpose of the procedure is to break the stones into smaller pieces that can pass through the body or become easier to remove. Fragments of stones in the kidneys and ureter will come out with urine.
It is possible to break urinary system stones of different hardness in our ESWL unit. ESWL turns the stone into sand, allowing the patient to move it without realizing it.
The energy pulses from the electromagnetic shock source are focused and reflected by the parabolic reflector, creating mini shock waves at a small point on the stone, which breaks the stone. The patient expels the formed pieces of sand and stones through urine.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are formed from substances found in the urine (such as calcium). A kidney stone is formed when high levels of these substances crystallize into a mass.
Most kidney stones form inside the kidney but can enter the ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder).
When Should Kidney Stones Be Treated?
Most kidney stones go away on their own. But sometimes, a kidney stone grows too large to pass through the urinary tract or gets stuck inside. Pain during a kidney stone attack is typically caused by a stone stuck in the ureter and blocks urine drainage from the kidney. Kidney stones can cause health problems such as kidney damage, blood in the urine, or a severe infection. In these cases, treatment can help you get rid of kidney stones safely and make you feel better.
When Is Lithotripsy (ESWL) Used?
Kidney stones are usually small enough to pass through the urinary tract and urine. In some cases, the stones are too large to pass by themselves. Lithotripsy (ESWL) is commonly used:
• When the stones are too big to pass through (larger than 5 millimeters)
• If the stones block the flow of urine
• If the stones are causing bleeding or infection
• If pain medications are not effective when trying to pass a stone
Some stones may be too large to be treated with shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The size, shape, location, and several stones will be evaluated to see if this procedure is appropriate.
Your doctor may recommend alternative treatment if you are pregnant, taking medication for a pacemaker, kidney cancer, kidney infection, or heart conditions.
What Can I Expect Before a Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Procedure?
Your healthcare professional will explain how to prepare for your procedure. You may need to do the following:
- Full laboratory study: You may have blood tests to check your kidney function and blood counts, as well as urine tests to check if there is an infection in your urine.
- Follow a particular diet: You must stop eating and drinking a few hours before your procedure.
Who Performs Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?
Urologists perform shock wave lithotripsy. Urologists are highly trained doctors who specialize in treating complex problems of the kidneys and other urinary organs.
How Long Does a Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Procedure Take?
Shock wave lithotripsy typically lasts about an hour. Your procedure may take more or less time depending on your size, the number of kidney stones, and overall health.
What Can I Expect Immediately After a Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Procedure?
Shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is typically an outpatient procedure. After a few hours of rest after the process, you can go home on the same day.
How Long Does It Take for Stones to Pass After Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?
After the procedure, you can expect pieces of kidney stones to pass in your urine for several days to weeks. Fragments of stone may look like sand, gravel, or dust.
