Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
(Treatment for kidney and ureteric stones)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
(Treatment for kidney and ureteric stones)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure used to treat kidney stones and certain types of stones in the ureter or bladder.
Procedure Details
Shock Wave Generation:
ESWL employs high-energy shock waves generated outside the body to break down stones into smaller fragments that can pass more easily through the urinary tract.
Patient Positioning:
During the procedure, the patient lies on a table or in a water bath.
Use of Lithotripter:
- A specialized machine called a lithotripter focuses the shock waves precisely on the stone using imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or X-ray.
- The shock waves travel through body tissues without causing harm but are powerful enough to fragment the stones.
Sedation:
ESWL is typically performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort and generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Effectiveness
Target Stones:
The procedure is particularly effective for stones less than 2 cm in diameter and located in the kidney or upper ureter.
Advantages
Minimally Invasive:
ESWL is less invasive than surgical options and has a shorter recovery time.
Post-Procedure Considerations
- Discomfort:
Patients may experience some discomfort as the stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.
- Minor Complications:
There is a risk of minor complications, such as:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Incomplete stone fragmentation
Despite these potential issues, ESWL remains a widely used and successful treatment for urolithiasis, with a high rate of stone clearance and minimal downtime for patients.
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