Services/Expertise

ESWL, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, is a very common, non-invasive method for treating stones in the kidney or ureter, the tube which drains the urine from the kidney to the bladder. It utilizes an energy source which generates a shock wave that is directed at the stone. Shock waves are transmitted to the patient using a water-filled cushion that is placed against the skin. X-rays help aim the shockwaves at the stone and the repeated force caused by the shock waves fragments the stone into small pieces which can then be passed in the urine. ESWL is most often performed using IV sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.