Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy – ESWL

Non-invasive technique of shattering renal or ureteric calculi using sound waves. This service is provided by Queensland Lithotripsy Service who brings their lithotripter to the hospital chosen for your procedure.

Why is it done?

• Renal stones of any size, usually larger than 1cm obstructing/ non-obstructing the renal pelvis or ureter.
• Conservative form of treatment with external treatment administered through the skin with electromagnetic/ piezo-electric shock waves.
• Shock waves compress and distract the stone and the stone crystal fragments at its weakest links.
• Non-invasive.
• 70% of patients are stone free after this procedure, depending on the size of the stone and consistency of the stone.
• You may present with colicky pain on the affected side when stone fragments make their way down the ureter.

What to be aware of:

• Colicky pain that persists.
• Infection and fever.

Contact the rooms or your nearest Emergency Department ASAP

How is it done?

• Patients will receive a general anaesthesia.
• Prophylactic antibiotics is given.
• The correct kidney is identified and marked while you are awake.
• You are placed on a specifically designed table where a compartment in the bed underlying the affected kidney is removed to enable a large fluid containing probe to press up against your back.
• With radiological imaging the shock waves are aimed onto the stone in 2 90 degree angles.
• The stone is then bombarded with the shock waves. A total of approx. 4000 shots are administered until the stone fragments and disappears.

What next?

• As soon as you are awake and have kept some food down and emptied your bladder, you may leave for home.
• You may experience blood in your urine.
• You may experience colicky/crampy pains as you pass the fragments.
• Allow for a few days for stabilization of symptoms.
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 3 months.
• If any stones are caught and sent for evaluation, stone analysis results will be discussed at this consultation in order to formulate a plan to prevent recurrences.
• DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE, OR YOU WILL SUFFER ALONE!

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Wes Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy ESWL