Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Creator: Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Atikeler
Published: 2024-09-21T00:32:22+03:00

Say Hello to ESWL Treatment!

Kidney stones are a health problem that can negatively affect your daily life, causing severe pain and discomfort. A Life Health Group offers one of the safest and most effective solutions for this issue: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). With ESWL treatment, you can get rid of your kidney stones and return to a comfortable life.

Say Hello to a Stone-Free Life with ESWL!

At A Life Health Group, we aim to fully understand the needs of our patients suffering from kidney stones and offer them the best treatment options. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a minimally invasive and effective method used to break kidney stones. Everything you want to know about ESWL can be found on this page.

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?

ESWL is a treatment method that targets breaking kidney stones into small fragments by sending high-energy sound waves from outside the body. This procedure is performed using a specialized machine called a lithotripter. The lithotripter directs sound waves onto the stone, causing it to break into smaller pieces. The broken stone fragments are naturally expelled from the body through the urinary tract.

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History and Development of ESWL Treatment

The ESWL technique was first developed in the early 1980s and has since become an important method for treating kidney stones. In the early years, the lithotripters used were quite large and complex, but technology has evolved over time, and modern lithotripters are smaller, portable, and more precise.

Different ESWL Methods

There are different methods of ESWL. The most commonly used ones are:

Ballistic ESWL: In this method, high-energy shock waves are directed at the stone. This method is generally used for small to medium-sized stones.
Electrohydraulic ESWL: In this method, shock waves are generated by applying an electric current to a water-filled chamber. This method can be used for larger stones.
Focused Shock Wave Lithotripsy (FSWL): FSWL is a technique that allows shock waves to be directed more precisely onto the stone. This method is more effective for smaller stones and stones in sensitive areas.

Who is ESWL Treatment Suitable For?

ESWL treatment is an effective solution for many patients with kidney stones. However, not everyone is suitable for this treatment. Eligibility for ESWL depends on the following factors:

Stone Size and Location: Generally more effective for stones smaller than 2 cm.
Number of Stones: More effective for a single stone.
Location of the Kidney Stone: Provides better results for stones located in the upper part of the kidney.
Upper Urinary Tract Stones: ESWL can also be used to break stones located in the ureter.
Pregnancy: ESWL is a preferred method for treating kidney stones during pregnancy.

Advantages of ESWL Treatment at A Life Health Group

At A Life Health Group, we provide ESWL treatment with state-of-the-art equipment and an experienced specialist team to offer our patients the best care. The advantages of ESWL treatment are:

Minimally Invasive: ESWL does not require a surgical intervention like open surgery.
Generally Painless: During the procedure, the patient may feel only mild pain or pressure.
Fast Recovery Time: After ESWL, you can usually return to normal activities within a few days.
Short Hospital Stay: The procedure is generally performed on the same day and does not require hospitalization.
No General Anesthesia Required: ESWL is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Low Risk of Complications: ESWL carries a lower risk of complications compared to other kidney stone treatments.

Risks of ESWL Treatment

As with any medical procedure, ESWL treatment carries certain risks. These include:

Incomplete Stone Clearance: After ESWL, some stone fragments may not be expelled from the body, potentially requiring a subsequent procedure.
Bleeding: Mild bleeding may occur in the kidney or urinary tract during the ESWL procedure.
Infection: There is a risk of infection following the ESWL procedure.
Reduced Kidney Function: In rare cases, ESWL may lead to a decrease in kidney function.

What to Pay Attention to After ESWL Treatment

After ESWL treatment, it is important to carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Consuming plenty of fluids helps speed up the elimination of stone fragments from the body.
Use Pain Relievers: Take painkillers as recommended by your doctor.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: For the first few days, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
Attend Doctor Follow-Ups: Do not miss your doctor's follow-up appointments to monitor the passage of stone fragments.

Comparison of ESWL Treatment with Other Kidney Stone Treatments

ESWL is one of the methods used in kidney stone treatment. Compared to other methods such as open surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), and ureteroscopy, ESWL generally offers a less invasive approach and faster recovery time.

Open Surgery: Open surgery is preferred for large stones or complex cases. It is associated with longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL): PNL involves making a small incision in the kidney to remove the stone. Compared to ESWL, PNL may result in longer recovery times and more pain.
Ureteroscopy: Ureteroscopy is used to remove stones located in the ureter. It is associated with longer recovery periods and a higher risk of complications compared to ESWL.

Success Rate and Complication Rates of ESWL

The success of ESWL treatment can vary depending on the size and location of the stone, as well as the patient’s overall health. The success rate of ESWL generally ranges between 70% and 85%. Complication rates are typically below 5%.

Cost and Insurance Coverage of ESWL Treatment

The cost of ESWL treatment may vary depending on the technology used, the hospital’s location, and insurance coverage. At A Life Health Group, we provide detailed information regarding the cost and insurance coverage of ESWL treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESWL Treatment

Will I feel pain during ESWL treatment?
ESWL is usually performed under local anesthesia, and you may only feel mild pain or pressure during the procedure.
How long does it take to recover after ESWL?
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after ESWL.
What are the side effects of ESWL treatment?
The side effects of ESWL are generally mild and resolve quickly.
How long does the ESWL procedure take?
The ESWL procedure typically lasts about 30–60 minutes.
Is hospitalization required for ESWL?
ESWL is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospital admission.
Who can perform ESWL treatment?
ESWL should be performed by experienced urology specialists.

For More Information About ESWL Treatment:

If you want to get rid of your kidney stone discomfort and say hello to a stone-free life, visit A Life Health Group. Our expert team will provide detailed information about ESWL treatment, determine the most suitable treatment plan for you, and answer all your questions.

You can find the contact information for A Life Health Group by visiting our website.

This information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. To get more detailed information about kidney stone treatment and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you, please consult A Life Health Group.

Prepared by A Life Medical Editorial Board.

Last Updated: 6 Kasım 2025 14:05

Publish Date: 21 Eylül 2024 00:32