Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure used to treat kidney stones and gallstones. It uses high-energy shock waves to break the stones into tiny pieces that can then be passed out of the body in the urine.

Procedure

The patient is positioned on an operating table with a water-filled cushion. The lithotripter generates shock waves that travel through the body until they hit the kidney stones. The shock waves break the stones into tiny pieces.

Effectiveness

ESWL is most effective for stones in the kidney or upper ureter. Lithotripsy may not be as effective for treating stones in the lower ureter.

Risks

While ESWL is generally safe, it can cause side effects such as blood in the urine, bruising on the back or abdomen, bleeding around the kidney and other adjacent organs, and discomfort as the stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.

Alternatives

If ESWL is not effective, other treatments may be considered. These include ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and open surgery.

See Also

• Kidney stones
• Gallstones
• Ureteroscopy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

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