WHAT IS EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL)?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a routine procedure that utilizes shock waves to break up kidney stones allowing the fragments to pass out of the body in the urine.

REASON FOR THE PROCEDURE

ESWL is used to break down small kidney stones ranging in size from 4 mm (0.16 in) to 2 cm (0.8 in).

THE PROCEDURE

Your Esse Health Urologist utilizes X-rays or Ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to locate the stone then applies shock waves to break it into smaller pieces. Over time, the small pieces will pass naturally out of the body. ESWL is an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

Following the procedure, you may experience pain when urinating as tiny bits of stone leave the body. A stone fragment may get lodged in the urinary tract and require additional treatment for removal. There may be some bleeding outside of the kidney. There is also a risk of urinary tract infection with the procedure.