What is ESWL?
ESWL is a non-invasive procedure using high-energy shock waves to break down kidney stones and other urological conditions for easier passage. It is commonly used for large stones causing symptoms like pain or blockages, with minimal recovery time and high success rates. ESWL can also treat urethral and bladder stones, as well as certain prostate conditions, on an outpatient basis without general anesthesia.
Overall, ESWL is a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option for urological issues, improving patients’ quality of life without the need for invasive surgery.
What should I expect during treatment?
During ESWL, you’ll rest on an operating table and a water filled cushion will be placed either behind your kidney or on your abdomen. The water cushion helps obtain a more accurate target of your kidney stones.
The treatment will take between 45-60 minutes, during which time 1,000-2,000 shockwaves are passed through your body to target and eliminate all remaining stones. If necessary, stents will be placed in your ureters prior to treatment to prevent any swelling from blocking your kidneys. After the treatment is complete, you’ll rest for about an hour while any anesthesia wears off.
Once you’re released, you’ll be advised to drink plenty of water to help flush out the stones and to filter your urine to catch any stone fragments. We may provide you with prescriptions for antibiotics and painkillers to aid in the healing process. Recovery is usually brief and most patients can get up and move around immediately after treatment.You may want to take a couple of days to rest at home and to allow the stone fragments to be flushed out of your body. You might experience some abdominal cramping and some discomfort as the fragments pass out of your body, but in most cases over-the-counter pain medication is enough to relieve any discomfort.
What are the benefits of ESWL?
One of the main benefits of ESWL is that it’s a non-invasive procedure that effectively treats kidney stones and provides patients with quick recovery times. You won’t need to stay overnight in the hospital and will be back to your normal activities within a couple of days.
