Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Treatment
Procedure
FAQS
Treatment
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a technique for treating stones in the kidney and ureter that does not require surgery. Instead, high energy shock waves are passed through the body and used to break stones into pieces as small as grains of sand.
Procedure
You lie on a table in a specialized treatment room that has the shock wave machine and imaging equipment. After you receive anesthesia, the doctor will use a computerized X-ray machine, sometimes in combination with ultrasound, to pinpoint the stone’s location. The doctor will place you in the best position to aim the shock waves at the stone. A series of shock waves (several hundred to several thousand) is released at the stone. The doctor will adjust the power and the intervals of the shock waves as needed to break up the stone.
FAQS
Shock Wave Lithotripsy works better with some stones than others. Very large stones cannot be treated this way. The size and shape of stone, where it is lodged in your urinary tract, your health, and your kidneys' health will be part of the decision to use it. Stones that are smaller than 2 cm in diameter are the best size for SWL. The treatment might not be effective in very large ones.
