Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy shock waves to fragment kidney and ureteral stones into tiny particles, facilitating their elimination through urine.
This technique requires no surgery or incisions, as the shock waves are applied externally and precisely directed at the stone using ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
What is it used for?
ESWL is indicated in the following cases:
- Small to medium kidney stones (up to 2 cm) that can be eliminated spontaneously after fragmentation.
- Upper ureteral stones, especially if they have not descended into the distal ureter.
- Patients seeking non-invasive treatment who want to avoid surgical procedures.
Source: European Association of Urology
Main benefits
- Small to medium kidney stones (up to 2 cm) that can be eliminated spontaneously after fragmentation.
- Upper ureteral stones, especially if they have not descended into the distal ureter.
- Patients seeking non-invasive treatment who want to avoid surgical procedures.
Special considerations
- Not effective in all cases → Very large, dense, or certain stone locations may not fragment adequately.
- May require multiple sessions → Some patients may need several sessions to achieve complete fragmentation.
- Eliminació espontània dels fragments → Pot causar molèsties o còlics durant l’expulsió, tot i que en la majoria de casos és manejable amb medicació.
