Lithotripsy for Renal Stones

Treatment

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an advanced technique used for the treatment of renal stones. It is a day care procedure performed under sedatives or local anesthesia.

Procedure

1. Doctor takes ultrasound and/or X-ray to precisely locate the stone.
2. Patient lies on water filled bed and high energy shock waves are passed to the
   • These high energy shock waves break the stone into small pieces: takes about an hour
   • Sometimes stent is used to remove the large stone.
3. Small pieces of stones pass through urine over 2 to 3 days following procedure.
   • Patient is advised to drink plenty of fluid after procedure.
4. Kidney stones between 4mm to 2 cm size and causing pain and urine block are treated with ESWL.

NOTE: This procedure is not performed in pregnant woman, patient with kidney or urinary tract infection, patient with bleeding disorders and patient with abnormal kidney structure.