Lithotripsy

It is a procedure that uses concentrated high-energy shock waves, also called sound waves, guided by x-ray or ultrasound to break up stones in the kidney, bladder or ureter. After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones pass out of the body in your urine.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common type of lithotripsy. “Extracorporeal” means outside the body, which means, no incision is made on your body.

You may be given general anesthesia for the procedure, so you will be asleep and pain-free.

A tube may be placed through your bladder or back into your kidney to drain urine from your kidney until all the small pieces of stone pass out of your body. This may be done before or after your lithotripsy treatment.

The lithotripsy procedure should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.